Candidates

The Samoa Observer newspaper reported the trio were facing charges of general forgery and forging documents relating to pre-poll ballots.

The report said the men were from Vaiusu village and they were supporters of candidate Faumuina Wayne Fong, who was running for the Faleata. 2 constituency under the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party.

The candidate confirmed the charges, but would not comment further as the matter was with party lawyers.

Faumuina said the case would appear for mention on 29 April.

Seulu Esau Westerlund has his withdrawn his nomination as a candidate for the parliamentary seat for Aiga i le Tai.

Five candidates remain to contest the election.

Tupuola Mano Tevaseu Sola Siaosi has also withdrawn his candidacy to contest Siumu constituency.

The OEC published the withdrawals of nomination Wednesday.  

Last week, former Chief Justice Patu Falefatu Sapolu withdrew his nomination for the Vaimauga 2 constituency.

Over 200 candidates have nominated to contest the election.

The candidates have been warned it is illegal and labeled as an election bribery under the law with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment if convicted.

The recipients of gifts given as a bribe also stand to be prosecuted under the law with similar penalties, if found guilty.

Samoa’s Electoral Commissioner Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio is reminding voters and candidates, to be mindful of the law.

Electoral Commissioner Faimalo Mathew Lemisio says there were 24 HRPP and 16 FAST candidates at the close of registrations around 4pm yesterday afternoon.

“We had very minor issues on first day with canidates’ documentation but once those were clarified, everything went smoothly.”

Of the 47 Savaii candidates, there were seven women including 4 who are current Members of Parliament.

Four of Samoa’s five women MPs are all from Savaii.