By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Ten petitions were submitted by the 5.00pm deadline yesterday (Wednesday 23 March) to the Supreme Court challenging election results.

They are as follows:

1.  Tufuga Gafoaleata Faitua  v Vaai  Papu Vailupe – Vaisigano No.1

2.  Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio v Tuisa Tasi Patea & The Electoral Commissioner – Sagaga le Falefa

3.  Asiata Wairaki Toevai v Tavui Tiafau Salevao – Satupaitea

4.  Taito Aliifaalogo Faitele v Tialavea Fea Tionisio Seinafolava Hunt – Vaa o Fonoti

5.  Taua Falaimo v Agafili Patisela Eteuati Tolovaa – Palauli i Sisifo

6.  Saunoamaalii Finafinau v Manualesagalala Enokati Posala – Safata

7.  Pauli Pipi Tevita Tariu v Magele Mauiliu Magele – Faasaleleaga No 1

8.  Fuataga Kasimani v Seuala Taua Tavaga Kitiona Seuala – Aleipata Itupa i luga

9.  Le Tagaloa Pita v Faumuina Tiatia Liuga & Electoral Commissioner – Palauli le Falefa

10. Moefaauo Lufilufi v Alaiasa Filipo Schwartz Hunt – Anoamaa Sasae

Under the Electoral Act 1963, a petitioner – and all his or her witnesses – have to sign a sworn affidavit that he or she did not commit the same offenses that he or she has petitioned the incumbent of.

If a counter-petition proves that the initial petitioner – and his or her witnesses – were also guilty of the same offenses, the petitioner – and his or her witnesses – are liable for up to two years in prison for bearing false witness.

Counter-petitions can be submitted when the petition is mentioned in court.

A petitioner – under law – has to pay a security of $2000 to the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.

And petitions are not cheap.

It is understand that the going retainer fee for legal representation is about $10,000, with some top lawyers asking for as much as $25,000 up front.

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