No election petition filed yet, says Justice C.E.O

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 16 March 2016, 12:00AM

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Papali’i John Taimalelagi Afele, yesterday confirmed that not one candidate has lodged an election petition yet.

But he expects that to change over the next few days, with the 10-day deadline drawing to a close next week.

Papali’i said the applications for election petitions are now being accepted. This was opened on Monday, following the official release of election results last weekend.

 “I have sent out a memorandum on requirements needed by applicants,” said Papali’i. 

“There are two kinds of petitions. 

“The first one is on recounts to deal with candidates who wish to do a recount on their votes.

“The second type of petition is the electoral petition (which deals with instances where the law was broken).”

Recount petitions are to be filed with the District Court.

Electoral petitions are to be dealt with by the Supreme Court.

The C.E.O. explained that election petition includes bribery and other alleged corrupt practices that occurred during the period of the election. 

As for the requirements needed by an applicant, they include paying security for costs of $2,000 and an $18 fee to be paid to the Ministry. 

Other required documents include affidavit of witnesses, affidavit of petitioner in support of petition and their statutory declaration to be signed by applicant.

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 16 March 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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