From a total of 68 witnesses scheduled to give evidence in the petition of Falealili 1, only one witness showed up in Court this morning for the scheduled hearing of post-election petitions filed by candidate Tuiloma Laniselota Lameko and elected MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.

The Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese was not impressed and ordered Counsels to prepare their cases and ensure witnesses were in Court.

Both parties had applied to the Court to withdraw their petition and counter-petition on account of maintaining peace and harmony in the district. Village Chiefs had also applied to interven on support of the matter being withdrawn.

However, the Human Rights Protection Party had intervened with evidence of an alleged $100,000 tala deal between the parties and the Court ruled last week that the hearing of the petitions must continue.

The original petitions had a total of 68 signed affidavits from witnesses, 45 from Tuiloma and 23 witnesses from Toelupe’s original counter petition.

Tuiloma is represented by Su’a Alex Su’a and Becca Schuster while the Hon DPM is represented by Muriel Lui and Mauga Precious Chang.

The Court subpoenaed all witnesses and scheduled the matter to be heard at 10am this morning.

When the matter was called the Chief Justice asked Counsel Su’a Alex.

“What did you do to prepare the petitions and get your witnesses to come to the hearing today?”

Mr Su’a responded, “We haven’t prepared anything sir..”

Chief Justice Perese then told Mr. Su’a, “It is completely unacceptable for you to do nothing Counsel…”

“You need to get a hold of the witnesses, the Court has summoned them so they need to be here..”

The Court then adjourned the matter to 2pm today for Counsel of the Petitioner to ensure their summoned witnesses appear to give evidence.

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