Former Manu Samoa Coach Wins Aleipata Itupa-i-Lalo Seat, Grateful to Constituency for the Support

Former Manu Samoa Coach Faleomavaega Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua has secured the Aleipata Itupa-i-Lalo seat for the Faatuatua i Le Atua i Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party.

Faleomavaega registered a landslide win with 1026 votes over Human Rights Protection Party candidate, Faagasealii Sapoa Feagiai’s 594 votes. The preliminary results gives HRPPs woman candidate 36.67% (594/1620*100) with 118 pre-polling votes to count.

Speaking to Samoa Global News Faleomavaega thanked the Constituency for their support and said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve them in Parliament.

“Faafetai i le Itumalo ona o le pule ua to mai ia te a’u. Faafetai i auauna paia a Le Atua mo le tapuaiga i lenei aso, ua iu ai ma le manuia lenei faamoemoe”.

Faleomavaega said after they had said evening prayers following the results, he walked over to his competitor, one of only two women candidates in the by-elections, and congratulated her for a well fought race.

“Na uma loa le faigalotu, ou savalivali loa i o ma feiloai ai ma si ou tuafafine ia Faagamasealii. Ia o faiga lava ia o faigapalota, ae leai lava se mea o le a feeseeseai ai.”

Faleomavaega also acknowledged and thanked Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and his Masiofo for the support, as well as his family both in Samoa and overseas. The former Manu 15s and 7s coach also thanked the FAST party, as well as his immediate family, his wife and children, for being by his side during the election process.

Asked what he would do first as the MP for Aleipata-Itupa-i-Lalo, the FAST candidate says he will not rush into anything, but will take time to assess the needs of this constituency, with priority areas mentioned in his campaign such as access to water and electricity to some areas.

The final count for the 6 by-elections held on Friday 26th November 2021 will be held on Friday 29th November 2021 before secretaries of all candidates.

FAST has secured 3 more seats in addition to Aleipata-Itupa-i-Lalo. Sagaga 4, Falealili 2 and Safata 2.

HRPP have won 2 seats in the preliminary count. One has a small chance of changing  – Maulolo is 47 votes ahead of Faalogo Ivins Chan K Tong. For Aana Alofi 2, Aiono Gafa Til is 9 votes ahead of Lolomatauama Eseta Faalata Mataituli with 58 pre-polling votes yet to count.

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