The leader of the Human Rights Protection Party has called for a Commission on Inquiry into the Office of the Electoral Commission.

This is to ensure the public the election was conducted in a fair and accountable manner, and also protect the integrity of the office.

This was made known by Tuileapa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi,during a press conference with the media at the HRPP headquarters this afternoon.

The call follows the arrest of the Assistant Electoral Commissioner Afualo Darryl Mapu in relation to a drug bust where police discovered baggies of methamphetamine or ice at his residence in Nu’u.

Tuilapa said the recent drug raid raises suspicions whether the election results were fixed, hence the importance of having a Commission of Inquiry to assure the public the results were conducted accordingly.

He said following the police raid, they were skeptical and started to question the results, whether any alleged deceptive decisions were made and if any, may have an impact on the defeat of their political party.

The former Prime Minister pointed out the ACEO is the son of the Speaker of the House, Lio Papalii Taeu Masipa’u a member of the winning political party, Faatuatua file Atua samoa ua Tasi.

The ACEO in questions was involved in the election process in general election in April 2021 and by-elections that was held two months ago.

He said that doubts will always linger upon these matters given the familial ties and the public’s perception is an issue that should be addressed.

Tuilaepa then reiterated the need for a Commission of Inquiry.

As it stands, the HRPP have 20 seats while the FAST has 32 seats.

Last month the police raided the residence of Afualo, confiscated baggies of methamphetamine or ice; pistols, hand guns, laptops, cell phones; rifles, as well as live ammunition and more than $3,000 cash.

Afualo was arrested with his colleague, Marie Fanueli.

They are both remanded to the custody of police until the 31 January, 2022 when they will appear in the Supreme Court for criminal mention.

Radio Polynesia reached out to Minister of Electoral Commission Faualo Harry Schuster on his view pertaining to the call by the former Prime Minister, were not answered as of press time.