The Minister of Justice, Administration and Courts, Fesolai Tusiupu Tuigamala, has criticised Samoa’s election laws, describing them as “stupid” during parliament on Thursday.
Fesolai told the Chamber that the cabinet has approved a Commission of Inquiry into the 2025 Election for the next eight months, with a particular focus on the election petitions and court cases that followed. He said the Cabinet has selected a new committee to review the election laws.
The Minister’s comments come after he himself faced a private prosecution trial in the District Court over election-related allegations.
Fesolai had pleaded not guilty to five allegations relating to corruption, including bribery. His case was dismissed by the District Court in May.
"What kind of stupid laws are these?" said Fesolai. "The person did not live in the village and took the member of parliament (to court)", he told the Chamber. Member of Parliament for Faasaleleaga No.3, Namulauulu Sami Leota, questioned whether the new commission would change the advice from previous commissions.
