The FAST party Roadshow at Va'a o Fonoti constituency last weekend Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Samoa's governing FAST Party has strengthened its hold on power after the Supreme Court ruled in its favour in an election-related petition.
The court ruled that the Falealupo electoral constituency was won by FAST's Fuiono Tenina Crichton.
Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa found that the Human Rights Protection Party candidate Tuitogamanaia Dr Peniamina Leavai failed to meet the conditions to run.
FAST now has 27 seats and the HRPP 18.
Six by-elections are still outstanding.