Voters of Gagaifomauga #2 constituency have spoken through their ballots and voted into office Independent Member, Fo’isala Lilo Tuu Ioane as their Member of Parliament.
This was confirmed in the official results issued by the Office of the Electoral Commission.
Second in line was the Human Rights Protection Party member, Sooalo Poka. He garnered 380 votes; Independent Member Falesaopule Vaialia Iosua had 287 ballots and last in line is the Faatuatua ile Atua candidate, Lomia Moafanua Sinaga with 259 votes.
After the official count which was conducted in Savaii for the first time, Acting Electoral Commissioner Unasa Schuster confirmed the electoral roll had more than 2,000 voters however, after the by-election, more than 600 voters did not cast their ballot.
Under electoral laws, it is required that every registered voter must cast their ballot otherwise face legal ramifications.
“Maybe some of the constituency members are overseas and during the Covid-19 with travel restrictions, some are overseas on the Reconsgnized Seasonal Employment it’s difficult to travel to Samoa for the by-election,” said Unasa.
Adding that they are only waiting on the endorsement of the Head of State, his Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II to officialise the results of the by-election.
Each of the polling booths was manned by Police Officers of the Ministry of Police and Prison.
