Ten caretaker ministers have lost their seats in the preliminary results of the 2025 general election, leaving only a handful of cabinet members ahead in the polls. 

These results are based on preliminary counts and are not yet final.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio (303) was unseated by Vaaaoao Salumalo Alofipo (448).

Caretaker Minister of Justice and Courts Administration Matamua Seumanu Vasati Pulufana (127) lost to FAST’s Leatigaga Matafai Liga (803).

Caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who was sworn in earlier this year, received 134 votes against FAST’s Amituanai Malolo Roma (509).

Caretaker Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Olo Fiti Vaai (228) trailed behind FAST’s Leilua Sagato Karene (308).

Caretaker Minister of Health Valasi Tafito Selesele (82) was defeated by Independent Motuopuaa Henny Papalii (266).

Caretaker Minister of Finance Lautimuia Ualese Vaai (907) lost to HRPP’s Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu (1,188).

Caretaker Minister of Police Faualo Harry Schuster (134) fell to HRPP’s Lima Graeme Tualaulelei (944).

Caretaker Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster (429) lost to FAST’s Afamasaga Leone Masame (809).

Caretaker Minister of Sports Laumatiamanu Mathew Purcell (279) was unseated by HRPP’s Tuia Fuatogi Letoa (631).

Caretaker Minister of Women Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga (53) lost to FAST’s Alolupotea Tony Aiolupo (390).

Only two ministers hold seats

So far, only two caretaker ministers have retained their seats.

Caretaker Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Fiame Naomi Mataafa continues to lead in Lotofaga with 454 votes, ahead of FAST’s Fuimapoao Taliilagi Beth Onesemo (214) and Fiaola Iosua Lole (236).  Caretaker Minister of Public Enterprises and caretaker Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Labour Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo has secured his seat in Faleata No. 2.

The only other Samoa United Party candidate and former Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour leading is Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, with 627 votes against FAST’s Vaotogo Rodney Chang Tamasese (477) and HRPP’s Fagasealii Sapoa Feagiai (285) and Taiao Matavai Tautunu(486).

Caretaker Minister of Communication and independent candidate Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai is also ahead in Vaa o Fonoti with 530 votes; he is independent. 

Caretaker Minister of Education Seuulua Ioane Tuaau did not contest this year, but in his constituency, Taituave Lafaitele Iona leads with 480 votes.