The constituency of A'ana Alofi No.2 remains a Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) stronghold after the preliminary results of the by-election were counted on Friday evening. 

After a close race with four candidates vying for the seat, former Member of Parliament, Aiono Tile Gafa took the lead by gaining nine (9) votes more than his closest rival and lone female candidate from the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party, Lolomatauama Eseta Mataituli who polled 359 after all five booths were counted. 

The result is likely to change after the official count as the votes from special booths and pre-polling have not been counted. 

Another H.R.P.P. candidate, Apenamoemanatunatu Tu'uu Letaulau came third with 205 according to preliminary result on Friday evening. 

The seat of A'ana Alofi No.2. was held by the former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa'afisi. 

Initially, Aiono Afaese Toleafoa, the son of the former M.P. and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa'afisi was elected the M.P. for Aana Alofi No.2 following the elections in April. 

But Aiono had his April election victory rendered void by the Supreme Court in August this year which then triggered the by-election for the seat.

Aiono’s election was challenged by his election opponent, Lolomatauama who sought to unseat the first-timer politician and Fasitoo businessman. 

In a ruling handed down by Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma the Court found Aiono guilty of all five bribery and treating charges.

A counter-petition filed by Aiono against the defeated Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) candidate was denied by the Supreme Court. 

• This is a developing story...