The elected M.P. for Aana Alofi No.2, Aiono Afaese Toleafoa, has had his April election victory rendered void by the Supreme Court in the second election petition ruling on Monday.

Aiono’s election was challenged by rival candidate Lolomatauama Eseta Mataituli who sought to unseat the first-timer politician and businessman from Fasitoo. 

In a ruling handed down by Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma on Monday afternoon, the Court found Aiono guilty of all five bribery and treating charges in another blow to the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.). 

A counter petition filed by Aiono against the defeated Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) candidate was denied by the Supreme Court. 

Aiono, who is the son of the former Parliament Speaker Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi, was represented during the Court proceedings by lawyer Magele Leone Mailo-Sua with counsel Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio acting for Lolomatauama. 

The decision by the Court on Monday now means that Samoa's former political powerhouse is now left with 18 seats with rival F.A.S.T. continuing to maintain its majority of 26 seats.