Five out of 13 Cabinet ministers in the Human Rights Protection Party-led government lost their seats after the general election last Friday, preliminary election results show.

The former Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti who was the incumbent MP for the Faasaleleaga No.1 headlines the five defeated ministers after he lost to the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party candidate Matamua Vasati Pulufana.

The former M.P. and Minister of Communication Information and Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupai was unable to overcome former M.P. and environmentalist Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster after the F.A.S.T. candidate collected 828 votes to Afamasaga’s 617 in the battle for the Aana Alofi No. 4 seat. 

The former Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu also lost his seat to lawyer Faualo Lefau Harry Schuster, who amassed 908 votes to the former minister’s 624.

The former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Vaisigano No. 1 MP Lopaoo Natanielu Mu’a also came short against the former Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment manager and F.A.S.T. candidate Niuava Eti Malolo.

While the former Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tialavea Tonisio Hunt lost to his H.R.P.P. colleague Alaiasa Moananu Sepulona.

 Most of the returning Members belong to constituencies in Upolu with only five coming from Savai’i, confirming the wiping out of the previously dominant HRPP on the big island.

The Lotofaga Member-elect and F.A.S.T. leader Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was one of only two women candidates who were voted back from the last parliament, with the other being the caretaker Minister of Health Faimalotoa Kika Stowers who was re-elected.

The other three women candidates who won their seats are all first-timers to politics, they include: Matamua Seumanu Vasati Pulufana; Mulipola Anarosa Molioo; and  Leota Tima Leavai. 

Returning caretaker Cabinet Ministers include Lautafi Fiu Purcell, Sala Fata Pinati, Tapunuu Niko Lee-Hang, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers and Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio.

The counting of special votes for each constituency is underway throughout the week. Electoral Commissioner, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio says this year’s general election was historic on many fronts, the most notable of which was having the will of Samoa’s voters heard through their vote.