By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 31 July 2025: The Electoral Court has dismissed the challenge by the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) candidate Muaaufaalele Mary Taeu against the eligibility of Samoa Uniting Party’s Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo.

Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa presided over the brief hearing.

Justice Nelson said reasons for the decision will be detailed in full in their written decision but only gave their conclusion after hearing submissions from both counsels Muriel Lui for Muaaufaalele and Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio for Leatinu’u.

The court noted and considered time given to the counsel for the Applicant to provide relevant supporting documents. However, the court did not entertain the adjournment for any matter to correct or submit documents given the time critical for the country leading up to the general election and the judicial process.

The court also dismissed Muaaufaalele’s strike out motion against Leatinu’u’s challenge against her and that challenge is now in progress before the court.