SIX candidates for the 2010 Parliamentary Election who failed to lodge an election spending statement were each fined $500 pa'anga each at the Fasi Magistrate's Court on Friday, January 28.

The candidates who pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to lodge their election spending statements were Chris Mafi, Filini Sikuea, Faka'osi Maama, Pita Finaulahi, Nakita Talanoa and Viliami Moimoi Vaea who appeared before Magistrate Pita Soakimi.

The Magistrate ordered that they pay the $500 fine within one month for failing to lodge an election spending statement to the Supervisor of Elections within 14 days from the election on November 25, 2010.

He said failing to come up with the payment within the required time would incur a distress warrant meaning their belongings would be seized for payment.

Failure to lodge an election spending statement within the time required is an offence under the Electoral Act 2010.

Crown Prosecutor Sione Sisifa said that 12 candidates had failed to lodge their election expenses with the Supervisor of Elections.

Six had pleaded guilty and were fined, while five failed to appear in court and one candidate's case was deferred.

Semisi 'Ulu'ave Mila's case was deferred to next week so that his counsel Clive Edwards could be present.

The cases of the five remaining candidates including Zco 'Uhatafe, Senituli Manu, 'Inoke Hu'akau, Tupou Loto'aniu, and one other whose name had to confirmed, were adjourned to next week to confirm whether or not they had been served summons, since some were overseas.

None of the candidates won seats in the November 25 election.