Tomifa Paea Withdraw Civil Claims Against Former Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu Featured
Former Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu
Supreme Court, Nuku’alofa, 6 March 2015.
Chief Justice Paulsen this morning agreed to an application launched by the petitioner Mr. Tomifa Paea to withdraw his civil claims against the former Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga Mr. Samiu Vaipulu.
Mr. Paea in December 2014 filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Tonga against Mr. Vaipulu upon the grounds that he committed bribery and corrupt illegal practices in connection with his election contrary to section 21 and 24 of Electoral Act 1989. Mr. Paea stood unsuccessfully as an independent candidate for Vava'u Constituency 14's seat on the 27th November 2014 Election.
The proceeding of the civil case was delayed for weeks due to the difficulties faced by Mr. Paea in trying to hire a lawyer from New Zealand. Mr. ‘Eliesa Fifita in a letter to the Editor published by Nepituno Tonga Online News yesterday 5th March 2014 stated that he was informed by Mr. Paea yesterday evening of his intention to withdraw his civil claims.
Mr. Paea acted on his behalf this morning while Mr. Vaipulu was represented by William Clive Edwards Sr. Mr Edwards showed no objection to Paea's application and sought no cost.
