The Human Rights Protection Party announced the official withdrawal of Sooalo Feo Mene as one of the candidates to contest in the Gagaifomauga #2 upcoming by-election.
The former Associate Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, So’oalo is one of the two HRPP members including Sooalo Fineaso Poka that registered to vie for the Gagaifomauga #2 seat.
The Deputy leader of the HRPP Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday and there will be only one candidate from the HRPP.
The by-election is scheduled for 3 June 2022.
He said Chiefs from the villages of Paia, Samauga, and Lefagaoalii met with HRPP and informed them of the decision to withdraw Sooalo’s candidacy and they are now rallying support for So’oalo Poka.
To date, only four candidates will run in the Gagaifomauga #2 by-elections two Independent Members, Falesaopule Vaialia Iosua and Foisala Lilo Tuu Ioane. The FAST candidate is Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Siaaga.
In the last General election, So’oalo lost his seat to the Associate Minister of MAF, Vaele Paiaaua Sekuini, who passed away in March.
Paiaaua Sekuini, passed away in March.
In the meantime the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration Chief Executive Officer, Moliei Simi Vaai confirmed with Radio Polynesia that no challenges were filed to the Ministry in relation to the Gagaifomauga #2 by-elections at the closing of the mandated timeframe stipulated under the Electoral Act 2019, to challenge the eligibility of any candidate.
