The Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) has retained the Sagaga No.2 seat following the by-election preliminary count on Friday evening. 

Maulolo Tavita Amosa, who was one of the former ruling party's two candidates, led the race for Sagaga No.2 gathering 613 votes, according to the preliminary counts of six booths within the constituency as well as the special booth at the Tuana'imato Multipurpose Gym. 

The preliminary results from the Sagaga No.2 seat means that the H.R.P.P. has now secured two seats, increasing their seat numbers from 18 to 20. 

Runner-up to Maulolo was one of three candidates endorsed by the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) , Fa'alogo Ivin K Tong who polled a total of 566 votes. 

Altogether, there were six candidates contesting the seat which was formerly held by former M.P. Seiuli Ueligitone Seiuli. 

Fata Ryan Schuster, who contested under the F.A.S.T. party banner, collected a total of 440 votes while Fa'amausili Siona Tauafao of the H.R.P.P. had a total of 296 votes. Fata Meafou also from the F.A.S.T. party collected a total of 261 votes. 

Sole Independent candidate, Vaotu'ua Michael Toevai collected only 20 votes based on the preliminary count. 

But the results could possibly change after the official count as the pre-polling results have yet to be announced. 

The by-election for Sagaga No.2 was triggered after H.R.P.P. former Associate Minister, Seiuli Ueligitone Seiuli was found guilty of 13 counts of bribery and two counts of treating following a post-election legal challenge to his victory in the April general election.

The validity of Seiuli’s victory was challenged by another former M.P., Maualaivao Patelesio Ah Him who was himself found guilty by the court of 10 counts of treating and one of bribery.

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