Samoa's two main political parties are again head to head in the general election after an accounting glitch was discovered by the Electoral Commission.
The Samoa Electoral Commission shows electoral officials monitoring the counting during the general election in the capital city of Apia. Photo: AFP or licensors
The error had independent Tautua Party candidate Tamaleta Taimang Jensen at the top of the Vaimauga No 2.
The Commission listed the new provisional results Saturday night which led to incumbent HRPP MP Lenatai Victor declared the winner.
He received 957 votes to Tamaleta's 793.
The change means the Human Rights Protection Party, HRPP, and the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi, FAST, are again tied on 25 seats, with independent candidate, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, holding one seat as the potential king-maker.
The Samoa Electoral Commission show votes being tallied during the general election in the capital city of Apia Photo: AFP or licensors
Preliminary results from. VAIMAUGA 2. pic.twitter.com/Au9zVJrttC
— Samoa Electoral Commission (@ElectionSamoa) April 10, 2021
The HRPP Leader and caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said on TV1 Samoa Saturday night that they plan to take legal action against FAST, alleging that it had blatantly violated election laws.
The leader of the HRPP party, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific/Tipi Autagavaia
Final results not decided
"The final results of the 2021 general election have not been decided," according to the Electoral Commission.
It warned, on social media, that any comments by media or others about the election are purely speculative.
Official counting begins on Monday.
Update from Electoral Central: Electoral Officials and Scrutineers are currently in the process of counting and verifying special votes under the watchful eye of Police Officers and the Electoral Commissioner.
— Samoa Electoral Commission (@ElectionSamoa) April 10, 2021
The work continues. ✅#palota2021 #palotasamoa pic.twitter.com/jhLzOdfAeC
