Corruption claims

in Western Samoa

By Ulafala Aiavao

ELECTION petitions have been filed against 11 Western Samoan mem bers of Parliament who were elected in the country’s general elections on April 5.

They allege that corrupt or illegal practices on behalf of the 1 1 MP’s materially affected the result to the extent that the petitioners should have won instead.

Many of the allegations concern illegal distribution of food, drinks or money during a pre-election ban on such activity. Other claims are that some voters who cast ballots were not qualified to do so.

In one case, it is alleged that several hundred voter identity cards were col lected and kept as an act of bribery, which interfered with the independence oi voters. All voters had to present an official identity card before they were issued with a ballot paper.) More unusual allegations included claims that a small number of people cast v otes in the names of other voters, who, on election day, were either dead or overseas. Hearings in the Supreme Court begin in mid-May, and take priority over other court business. □

New faces for FSM

ON May II Bailey Olter of Pohnpei was elected to be the third FSM President and Jacob Nena of Kosrae the fourth \ ice President by the National Congress from among its four at-large members. Olter, 59, replaces John R.

Haglelgam of Yap who served one term beginning in 1987, after Olter, now FSM President. The 7th FSM Congress, meet ing on the first day of its First Regular Session, also elected Jack Fritz of Chuuk to serve as its Speaker. □