Five candidates for the Gagaifomauga No 2 by-election

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 13 MAY 2022: Two Independents, 2 HRPP and one FAST Party candidate make up the field of five who have registered for the Gagaifomauga No 2 by-election when nominations closed today.

The by-election will take place on Friday, 03 June 2022.

The five candidates comprise of two Independents Falesaopule Vaealia Iosua and Foisala Lilo Tuu Ioane, two HRPP candidates in Sooalo Fineaso Poka Sooalo and Sooalo Umi Feo Mene and the FAST candidate Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Siaaga.

HRPP candidate Sooalo Umi Feo Mene served two terms in parliament and lost the seat in last years’ general election to the FAST MP, Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini who passed away in March, making way for the by election.

The Gagaifomauga No 2 constituency is made up the villages of Safune, Samauga, Faletagaloa, Lefagaoali’i, Matavai, Fatuvalu, Paia and Leagiagi.

Following this weeks’ court decision confirming three additional women MPs, the composition of the seats in parliament now stands at FAST Government 31 seats, HRPP (Opposition) 22 seats.