Prime Minister is Saddened but Respects Court Ruling, Signaling Cabinet Changes
2026-03-25 - 16:34
Prime Minister Hon La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said he is saddened by the recent court decision that declared the election of his Deputy Prime Minister void, but the decision of the Chief Justice must be respected. Hon Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo was found guilty of bribery by the Electoral Court in a decision handed down on Tuesday 24 March 2026. “Pursuant to Section 116 of the Electoral Act 2019, the Respondent’s election is declared void,” reads the Court decison. Speaking at his weekly press conference, the Prime Minister said he feels for Toelupe and offered commiserations to Toelupe’s family, his wife and children, as well as the constituency of Falealili I. Laaulialemalietoa said this is not easy for him as Prime Minister. Toelupe was not only a senior member of Cabinet, he was his right hand as Deputy Prime Minister, and he led the ministry responsible for all major infrastructural developments in Samoa. The decison comes exactly seven months after the 29 August 2025 general elections, and the work of Cabinet is well underway, with strategic plans already set down for the various portfolios under Toelupe. “However, as Prime Minister, the decision of the Court must be respected,” said Laaulialemalietoa. “O a’u lava ia o le Taitai a le Malo, ou te ava i le faaiuga ua aumai e le Faamasinoga..” The Prime Minister says the Court decision reflects what the judges believe, based on the evidence before them. “Ua aumai lava le iuga a le Faamasinoga i le mea ua talitonu ia iai, o ī e taoto ai le faaiuga o le faamasinoga, ae maise le faaiuga a le Faamasino Sili, o ī e taoto ai lana faaiuga i le mataupu lenei.” The impact of the decision could lead to a Cabinet reshuffle, said the Prime Minister. Don’t miss out on the SOS Super March Specials! 5 more days to go. “This is not something I take lightly,” said Laaulialemalietoa, “this change means the government will now need to reorganise and adjust Cabinet responsibilities.” “All the weight of responsibilities once on Toelupe as Deputy Prime Minister, has now been moved back onto myself as Prime Minister..” Tip Top Ice Cream! Available at Ah Liki Wholesale and Good Vibez Ice Cream, Siusega! “Ma o le talitonuga o le a tele foi sesi galuega e toe fetuuna‘i e le faigamalo ona o fesuiaiga ua iai nei.” Despite the challenges, the Prime Minister said he respects the Court’s ruling and will work with Cabinet to move forward and address any issues that arise. “Ou te le faataumatatao i le iuga a le Faamasinoga lea ua sau..” The Prime Minister acknowledged the decision has come at a time when Toelupe is away on duty travel and says they will sit down and discuss next steps when Hon Toelupe returns safely. National Bank of Samoa Customer Satisfaction Survey! “TELL us about your experience with NBS Digital & In Branch Services” – Fill out form