Independent Candidate Leads Gagaifomauga No 2 By-election

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 03 JUNE 2022: Independent candidate, Foisala Lilo Tu’u Ioane is leading the Gagaifomauga No.2. by-election preliminary count.

He polled 413 votes with Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) candidate So’oalo Fineaso Poka second with 363 votes.

The other two candidates Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Siaaga for FAST Party and Independent Falesaopule Vaealia Iosua polled 247 votes each.

There were 11 polling booths, 10 in Savaii, one in Apia and a mobile booth.

The Gagaifomauga district consists of Paia, Samauga, Lefagoalii, Fatuvalu, Matavai and Faletagaloa villages.

The voters went back to a by-election with the passing last March of the constituency’s MP, Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini.

Prior to the by-election, both Independent candidates, Falesaopule and Foisala approached FAST to contest the election under the Party flag. However, the FAST policy of having one candidate, had given support to Lomia Tauloa who worked closely with the late MP Vaele Paiaaua.

At the HRPP camp, former MP So’oalo Mene Sooalo withdrew to allow So’oalo Poka as the sole HRPP candidate.

The results will become official after the final count early next week.