Long-time member of parliament and former cabinet minister Olo Fiti Vaai has lost his seat in the Salega 2 constituency, according to provisional results from the 2025 general election.

The preliminary count shows Leilua Sagato Karene of Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua (FAST) securing victory with 308 votes, ahead of Olo Fiti Vaai of the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) on 228 votes, while Maeʻe Ualesi Silva of HRPP finished third with 148 votes.

Olo’s defeat marks the end of nearly two decades in parliament for one of Samoa’s most prominent and outspoken politicians. First elected in 2006, he became known as the “one-man opposition” for challenging government policies before joining FAST and eventually serving as Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure after the 2021 election.

His political fortunes shifted earlier this year when he was expelled from FAST, alongside several other MPs, following internal disputes within the ruling party. Choosing to run under the newly established SUP, Olo was unable to retain the support of his Salega 2 electorate, losing to a candidate from the very party that had ousted him.

The loss is a significant blow for the veteran MP, who had been a fixture in Samoan politics for almost 20 years. For FAST, Sagato Karene’s victory strengthens the party’s hold in Salega 2 and reflects continued dominance in key constituencies.

These results remain provisional, with final certification from the Office of the Electoral Commissioner expected after special and pre-poll votes are included.

Samoa Observer contacted Olo for comment, but was unsuccessful.