Samoa is left without an opposition party after voting in yesterday’s general elections returned only two members of the Tautua Samoa Party,
Even if independent candidates who won join forces with the Tautua Samoa members, the numbers fall far short from the amount needed to be a recognized party in Parliament.
The Tautua Samoa casualties include the Party leader Palusalue Faapo II who lost to an HRPP supporter, businessman Leaana Rodney Posini in Safata West District.
Also defeated in the same constituency was Public Works Minister Manuasagalala Posala.
Communications Minister Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau lost his seat to an independent candidate Sulamanaia Fetaiai Tanuvasa and Youth and Women Affairs Minister Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua lost to a Tautua candidate Ili Setefano.
Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele counts 44 of the 49 seats in Parliament for his ruling Human Rights Protection Party.
In a statement to the media last night, he expressed thanks to the opposition leader and the Tautua Samoa Party for being a formidable opposition group for many years.
The PM also expressed his sympathies to members of the HRPP who lost.
Some of the new comers to the new sitting of Parliament include long time doctor at LBJ Hospital and prominent member of the Marist St Josephs Old Boys American Samoa, Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching, who is the new MP for Faleata, and Attorney Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu, who maintains an office here.
Faaolesa defeated Tautua member Lefau Harry Schuster, well known as a member of the International Rugby Board.
Both Salausa and Faaolesa are HRPP members.
The election results are all provisional and will be made official after a recount on Monday.
A date for Parliament to convene for the election of a Prime Minister, Speaker, and appointment of cabinet will be forthcoming after the results are made official.
Prior to the elections, current PM Tuilaepa Sailele was unanimously selected by HRPP to lead the party and will return as Prime Minister.
