election candidate

The charges were brought in a private prosecution by five electors of the Gaga'emauga number one constituency.

The defendant is accused of giving money to some of the electors and if found guilty he may face a custodial sentence or a fine.

RNZ reports the private prosecution case, which started on Wednesday, has proceeded after the defendant had failed in his efforts to have the case withdrawn.

The plaintiff, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, is seeking a court decision to declare void the candidacy of, the Tautua Samoa party's Tu'ula Kiliri Lafi Tuitui.

Tuila'epa claims that his opponent doesn't meet the monotaga or traditional village service requirement under the Electoral Act.