This is the response from Samoan Speaker, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua, to a call for him to resign made by members of the Tautua Samoa Party.
Last week, former Cabinet Minister and senior member of the Tautua Samoa Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II, called for the Speaker’s resignation after the Court overturned his ruling to dissolve nine parliamentary seats of the Tautua Party.
Palusalue said the Court decision clearly shows the Speaker erred and he abused his position.
But Tolofuaivalelei told Radio New Zealand International there was nothing in the Constitution that warrants his resignation.
He also pointed out no court judge can be sacked or asked to step down if any of their decisions are dismissed or overturned by the court of appeal.
This is something which also applies to a Parliamentary Speaker.
During an interview with Sunday Samoan, Tolofuaivalelei said he accepted the Court’s decision.
“What was important to me was that it was the Chief Justice who made the decision,” he said.
“At least a good guideline has been laid out.”
But he was upset the intention of the amendments made to the Electoral Act through the years up to 2005 weren’t achieved.
“The intention is clear,” he said.
It was to provide good governance, stable government and uphold the integrity of Parliament by stopping “party hopping,” he said.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi agrees.
Tolofuaivalelei was overseas for two weeks attending international meetings following the court ruling that quashed his decision against the nine MPs of Tautua Samoa party.
He dismissed speculation he ran away when his ruling was defeated in court.
“I don’t run away,” he said.
