Former Member of Parliament and paramount Chief of Mulivai, Safata, Leota Su’atele Manusegi, has spoken out in support of the government in relation to the division of the Safata voting constituency.
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Contained in the Electoral Act 2015, the boundary is the subject of a legal challenge from another part of the Safata district.
Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Leota said he is ready to speak up to support the law when the matter comes before the Land and Titles Court.
The legal challenge is being led by former Member of Parliament, Tuia Paepae Letoa, who argues that the correct division for Safata should be based on Togamau ma ona tua and Siulepa ma ona tua.
Leota disagrees.
“There are Court rulings on the land and they make it sound like we are living on their land,” he said. “That is not the case.”
Leota also criticised Tuia’s side for creating divisions within the constituency.
“Their claims are stirring up problems and encouraging violence,” said Leota. “Leiataua is still at peace, but what they are doing is contempt of Parliament, going against decisions made by Parliament.”
Tuia, however, maintains that they want to confirm the traditional division and boundaries by seeking the opinion of the Court.
“We do not want what is passed in the Act to mislead the upcoming generations of our constituency,” he explained. “The boundary is wrong, our forefathers set the boundaries and it should stay.”
The matter is expected to be called in August.
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