Pre polling in Samoa’s general elections is into its fourth day today and numbers are starting to give a glance of what is likely to transpire.
The ruling Human Rights Protection Party has a slender lead over the less than 12 month old Faatuatua I le Atoa Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party following counting of the third day of voting across the country.
Some election results have changed over the three days but some indicate strong support for either HRPP or FAST.
HRPP leader and caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and former Associate Minister Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi have been returned unopposed.
The party is assured of three other seats with only HRPP candidates running in the constituencies of Vaimauga 1, Satupa’Iitea, and Fa’asaleleaga 5.
A FAST billboard covered up for Election Day in accordance with the law, Sasina, Savaii.
But in some districts where HRPP has more than one candidate running, FAST looks to have the upper hand after the third day of pre polling.
FAST leader and former HRPP Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Matafao is also running unopposed.
Of interest to observers are early results in districts of some of the more outspoken members from the last parliamentary terms.
FAST founder and deputy leader Laauli Leuatea Schmidt has a comfortable lead over his female rival and HRPP candidate Faaulusau Stowers.
FAST member Olo Fiti Vaai is trailing HRPP candidate Tapua’i Faalogo Ve’e at Salega 2 but his equally vocal collegue Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo is just ahead of his two HRPP rivals at Faleata 2.
Caretaker Minister of Justice Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu is behind after day three of pre polling with FAST candidate Faualo Harry Schuster taking a commanding lead.
Another FAST candidate, Mrs Matamua Vasati, is leading in her contest with caretaker Minister of Finance Sili Epa Tuioti for the Faasaleleaga 1 seat.
Inter island ferries transporting voters, vehicles, supply trucks to Savaii .
Caretaker Minister for Communications, Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i’s alleged financial dealings may cause an upset at the A’ana 4 seat where he trails FAST candidate Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster
Former Acting Director of Youth and Women Affairs in the American Samoa Government, FAST candidate Pa’u Roy Ausage is well ahead of his two HRPP rivals at Falelatai and Samatau district.
Today, the remaining 2,458 of 8,500 registered voters for pre polling are all expected to cast ballots.
