Toʻomata Norah Leota Explained

To'omata Norah Leota
Constituency Mp15:Anoama'a No. 2
Parliament15:Samoa
Term Start15:11 May 2022
Term End15:14 November 2022
Party:Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi

To'omata Norah Leota is a Samoan politician and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa. She is a member of the FAST Party.

To'omata is from Solosolo.

To'omata unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Samoan general election as a FAST candidate in the seat of Anoama'a No. 2. Following the election she filed an election petition against the winner, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo.[1] The petition was unsuccessful, and found that she was guilty of an illegal practice for bribing seven villages with envelopes of cash during a party roadshow.[2] Despite this, she was not disqualified from future elections.[3]

Following the 2021 Samoan by-elections, the electoral commission declared Ali'imalemanu Alofa Tuuau and Faagasealii Sapoa Feagiai elected under the women's quota.[4] To'omata challenged the decision in court, arguing that she had been overlooked.[5] On 11 May 2022 the Supreme Court of Samoa confirmed the election of the two additional members. The court additionally declared To'omata elected as a third additional member due to the resignation of Leota Tima Leavai and her subsequent replacement by a man. The Supreme Court noted in its decision that when a man is elected to fill a constituency seat vacancy previously held by a woman, the constitutional requirement for a woman to also be elected as an additional member is separate from the quota requirement.[6] [7] She was sworn in as an MP on 17 May 2022.[8] Following her swearing-in, the Human Rights Protection Party lodged an appeal against her appointment.[9]

On 6 July 2022 she was sworn in as Associate Minister of Customs and Revenue.[10] [11] On 14 November 2022 the Court of Appeal voided her appointment as an MP.[12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: HRPP Deputy Leader Faces Election Petition in Court . Samoa Global News . 7 July 2021 . 7 July 2022.
  2. Web site: HRPP deputy leader Fonotoe retains seat . Talanei . 20 July 2021 . 7 July 2022.
  3. Web site: Defeated, Toomata still eligible under quota . Samoa Observer . Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong . 21 July 2021 . 7 July 2022.
  4. Web site: H.R.P.P. wins two women seats in Parliament . Samoa Observer . Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong . 29 November 2021 . 29 November 2021.
  5. Web site: To'omata leads challenge on women M.P.s . Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi . Samoa Observer . 16 December 2021 . 7 July 2022.
  6. Web site: Samoan court rules Parliament will have three new women MPs . RNZ . 11 May 2022 . 7 July 2022.
  7. News: Lagi Keresoma . Court rules Speaker to swear in 3 additional Women Parliamentarians . 2 June 2022 . Talamua Online News . 12 May 2022.
  8. Web site: Historical Swearing-In of Three Women MPs into the Parliament of Samoa . Loreta Kelemete . Samoa Global News . 17 May 2022 . 7 July 2022.
  9. Web site: Party files application against To'omata's swearing . Samoa Observer . 2 June 2022 . Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi . 7 July 2022.
  10. Web site: Two more Associate Ministers sworn-in . Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi . Samoa Observer . 6 July 2022 . 7 July 2022.
  11. Web site: New Associate Ministers takes office . Radio Polynesia Samoa . Joyetter Feagaimaalii . 6 July 2022 . 7 July 2022.
  12. Web site: Toomata swearing-in invalid says Court of Appeal . Samoa Observer . Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong . 14 November 2022 . 14 November 2022.

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