Samoa's Minister of Police, Tourism and the Public Trust Office will not face trial on charges of bribery and corruption after the prosecution was withdrawn.
The 17 charges against Sala Fata Pinati followed the Gaga'emauga number one constituency's election result in March in which he won the seat for the third time.
Samoa government minister, Sala Fata Pinati. Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
One of his opponents and election runner up, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, was also facing criminal charges as a result of the election.
The minister said the case against his opponent should also be withdrawn to make the village and constituency happy, instead of encouraging people to turn on each other.
Sources say two members of the minister's election committee are the complainants in the case against Tuala.
