Opposition Leader

Lauofo confirmed to Tala Fou that the country’s former Prime minister has been discharged from the hospital.

Tuilaepa is with his family and is recovering at home.

Lauofo added that Tuilaepa will undergo a series of regular checks with medical specialists and he will return home one he is fully recovered.

According to 1News, Tuilaepa went to New Zealand two weeks ago for medical care at Auckland Hospital.

The appointment follows the resignation of former leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), Sitiveni Rabuka, from Parliament.

But despite the MP Viliame Gavoka being appointed late last month to replace Rabuka as SODELPA leader, today's vote by the party's members of parliament resulted in Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu being appointed Opposition Leader.

After a successful election petition by the seat's runner-up, Alfred Manase, the court yesterday ruled that five ballot boxes in Mr Polye's Kandep electorate were not properly counted by the Electoral Commission.

RNZI reports Sam Basil is to be the new opposition leader after Mr Polye yesterday announced he respected the court decision and would step aside.