A lawsuit against four village chiefs in Samoa over the banishment of a Samoa First Political Party candidate has been referred to mediation.
The lawsuit was filed by Lema'i Faioso Sione who unsuccessfully contested the Fa'asaleleaga No. 2 by-election under the Samoa First banner.
The Fogapoa village council reportedly supported the Human Rights Protection Party candidate Namulauulu Sami Leota, who won the by-election.
New MP for Faasaleleaga number 2, Namulau'ulu Sami Leota, on the left with Prime Minister and HRPP leader, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. On the right is unsucessful ruling party candidate, Papalii Li'o Ta'eu Masipa'u. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Tipi Autagavaia
The suit is against the four senior matai who made the decision to ban Lema'i, Namulauulu Suaesi, Namulauulu Ape Pou, Lema'i Fau and Su Pa'i.
Lawyer and Samoa First leader, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, confirmed to the Samoa Observer that the matter had been referred to mediation.
She said the village's decision violated Lema'i's constitutional rights and his freedom to represent whichever political party he desired.