By Lagi Keresoma/
Apia, Samoa – 29 July 2025: Two legal challenges against candidates in next months general elections have been withdrawn and the hearing of the remaining 9 challenges starts on Wednesday 30 July 2025.
The withdrawn challenges are by the FAST party candidate Seumanu Saunoaimalu Nu’u Faimata Su’a against current Minister of Justice Matamua Seumanu Vasati Sili Pulufana of Faasaleleaga 1.
Matamua, a former FAST member, is competing under the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP).
The other FAST candidate, Leatigaga Matafai Iiga has also withdrawn his challenge against HRPP candidate Pipi Pauli Tevita Tariu of Faasaleleaga 1.
Counsel for the respondent, Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu did not oppose the leave to withdraw but is seeking costs.
Fuimaono has been asked to file a submission in support of an application for costs by 5 pm Thursday 31 July 2025 and for Leatigaga’s counsel Mapusua Tanya Toailoa to file a response, if any, by 5 pm Friday 1 August 2025.
Hearing of costs before Chief Justice and Justice Tuatagaloa at 9.30 Monday 4 August 2025.
His Honour Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese informed all parties involved in the electoral challenges that the Supreme Court will sit as an Electoral Court and two Justices will hear each challenge over two weeks.
Timetable for Hearing
The challenge by the FAST Party Leader Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt against HRPP candidate Fa’aulusau Fa’atoatoa Rosa Duffy-Stowers of Gagaifomauga 3 is set to be heard on Wednesday 30 July 2025.
The presiding Judges will be His Honour Chief Justice Satiu and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma.
The matter between FAST candidate Ale Vena Ale against HRPP candidate Pepe Christian Fruean of Faleata 4 will be called together with the matter between Paloa Louis James Stowers (FAST) against HRPP Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi of Faleata 3, on Wednesday 30 July 2025 before Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke and Justice Loau Donald Kerslake.
The challenge by Muaaufaalele Mary Faafouina Taeu (FAST) against the Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne Fong Sooialo (SUP) of Faleata 2, will be called together with Leatinu’u’s challenge against Muaaufaalele on Wednesday 30 July before Supreme Court Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa.
Leatinu’u’s challenge against Ulugia Elon Betham (HRPP) is set for hearing on Friday 8 August 2025 before Justice Tuatagaloa and Justice Kerslake.
The Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio’s (SUP) challenge against Lauano Mulivai Lauano Pau (Independent) of Gagaemauga 1 is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday 5 August 2025.
Tuala is also challenging Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo (FAST) and the matter will be heard on Monday 4 August before Justice Nelson and Justice Clarke.
The final challenge by Valasi Luapitofanua Tafito Selesele (SUP) against Tagaloa Leilua Tupou Afa (FAST) of Vaisigano 2 will be heard on Tuesday 12 August 2025.
The second respondent to all the challenges, the Office Electoral Commission (OEC) is represented by the Attorney General and team.
All electoral challenges decisions will be issued by 15 August 2025.
The legal representations include Mauga Precious Chang and Mapusua Tanya Toailoa for FAST, Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu for HRPP, Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio for SUP and Gafatasi Patu for the Independent candidate.
