Election court case

Decision on fresh elections in Samoa due Monday

The Supreme Court yesterday (Friday) heard challenges to the new ballot called last week by the Head of State, Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II.

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese said the hearing would test the extent of the powers held by the Head of State - O le Ao o le Malo.

Tuimaleali'ifano called the vote on the advice of the caretaker Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, purportedly to break the 26-seat each deadlock with the newcomer Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party.