Samoa independent MP

The Samoa Observer reports the decision comes hours after the paper revealed that as part of his negotiations with both parties, Tuala had asked HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi to stand down, as a condition of the party securing his vote.

Tuala's announcement, and creation of an additional parliamentary seat last night leaves Parliament in a 26-26 deadlock.

Parties are only given 45 days after election day to form a government.

The villages of Mauga, Patamea, Samalaeulu and Saleaula gathered at Samalaeulu and hosted an ava ceremony for Tuala.

Laauli was accused of forgery, theft, and the unlawful hiring of company trucks to the Samoa Vailima Brewery company.

Other defendants - his wife, a director, and an employee of the Local Partners and Associates nonu juice company - were also found not guilty.

But one of the company's directors, a high profile journalist and media practitioner, Apulu Lance Polu, was found guilty of one count of forgery.

Apulu is set to appear again next month for a probation report and sentence.