By Lagi Keresoma/
Apia, Samoa – 21 July 2025: Eleven applications are now before the Court challenging the Respondents and the Electoral Commissioners decision in accepting the Respondents to register as candidates in the 29 August general election.
All applications were filed on Friday 11 July 2025 with the respondents to respond to the respective challenge by 25 July 2025.
The cases are set down for hearing on the 29 July 2025 and expected to wrap up by 15 August 2025.
The challenges generally question the eligibility of the 11 candidates and against the Electoral Commissioner for accepting the candidates to enrol.
Of the 11 challenges, 3 are by current Caretaker Cabinet Minister and one against another current Minister.
Challengers & Respondents
- FAST Leader Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt against HRPP candidate Faaulusau Faatoatoa Rosa Duffy-Stowers of Gagaifomauga 3.
- Ale Vena Ale against HRPP candidate Pepe Christian Fruean of Faleata 4.
- Seumanu Saunoaimalu Nuu Faimata Sua against current Minister of Justice Matamua Seumanu Vasati Sili Pulufana of Faasaleleaga 1.
- Muaaufaalele Mary Faafouina Taeu against current Minister of Public Enterprises Leatinuu Wayne Fong Sooialo of Faleata 2.
- Leatigaga Matafai Iiga against Pipi Pauli Tevita Tariu of Faasaleleaga 1.
- Paloa Louis James Stowers against HRPP Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi of Faleata 3.
- Tuala Toiaivao Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio against Lauano Mulivai Lauano Pau of Gagaemauga 1.
- Tuala Toaivao Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio against Vaaaoao Salumalo Alofipo of Gagaemauga 1.
- Leatinuu Wayne Fong Sooialo against HRPP candidate Ulugia Elon Piliopo Betham of Faleata 2.
- Leatinuu Wayne Fong Sooialo against Muaaufaalele Mary Faafouina Taeau of Faleata 2.
- Valasi Luapitofanua Tafito Selesele against Tagaloa Leilua Tupou Afa of Vaisigano 2.
