Today marks the third day of the official counting of votes in Samoa’s general election.
As of 1:04 a.m. this morning, the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa Ua Tasi (FAST) Party had won 13 seats, while the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) had secured 8 seats, and Independent candidates had won three seats.
The official count is a recount of votes cast last Friday, as well as pre-polling votes (equivalent of local absentee ballots in American Samoa) and Special Votes cast on the same day.
Special Votes refer to ballots submitted at polling stations outside the voter’s registered district.
Independents, having secured 3 seats are expected to join government, are expected to be safely secured by the Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt-led FAST party.
What remains to be seen is whether FAST secures enough seats to gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament—to make constitutional changes they plan to introduce.
Following election night results, four women won seats for the FAST party, including caretaker PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
If they all secure their seats after the official count, then a sixth woman will have to be chosen from among the losing women candidates.
The official vote counting is expected to conclude tomorrow.
Photo: Samoa Observer
