19/08/2026
19 August 2026. By Heidi Ilalio: The Supreme Court has dismissed a motion by Tuia Paepae Letoa seeking to strike out paragraphs 9 to 14 of the affidavit of Filivaaileo Toleafoa, a witness for the petitioner.
The decision was delivered this afternoon by Justices Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa and Leiataualesa Darryl Clarke.
The Court also ordered an amendment to paragraph 5.12 of the affidavit of Tologataua Sooalo Sioeli Alofaifo. The paragraph is to be amended in accordance with paragraph 18 to read:
“A*o Lulu 14 May 2026 – Sa lomia ai tusitusiga ile Fastonu (editorial). O lea lipoti ua faapipii atu ma faailogaina ole Annexure ‘A12.’”
The Court ruled that the Editorial, Annexure A12, is admitted provisionally for the limited purpose identified in paragraph 19, subject to a final determination at trial.
It further ruled that paragraph 17 of the affidavit of Tologataua Sooalo Sioeli Alofaifo, together with the transcript, Annexure G1, and accompanying video recording, are admitted provisionally, subject to the conditions stated by the Court and final determination at trial.
The matter has been set down for hearing on 21 September 2026.
The petitioner is Leleua Suataga A*o, who was a candidate for the Safata No. 2 electoral constituency in last month’s by-election.
//ENDS
