Accounting error in Samoa election has top parties tied again

Samoa's two main political parties are again head to head after an accounting glitch was discovered by the Electoral Commission.

The error had independent Tautua Party candidate Tamaleta Taimang Jensen at the top of the Vaimauga No. 2.

The Commission listed the new provisional results last night which led to incumbent HRPP MP Lenatai Victor being declared the winner.

He received 957 votes to Tamaleta's 793.

Update from Electoral Central: Electoral Officials and Scrutineers are currently in the process of counting and verifying special votes under the watchful eye of Police Officers and the Electoral Commissioner.

The work continues. 🇼🇸✅#palota2021 #palotasamoa pic.twitter.com/jhLzOdfAeC

— Samoa Electoral Commission (@ElectionSamoa) April 10, 2021

The change means the Human Rights Protection Party and the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi, FAST, are again tied on 25 seats, with independent candidate, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, holding one seat as the potential king-maker.

The HRPP Leader and caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said on TV1 Samoa last night that they plan to take legal action against FAST, alleging that it had blatantly violated election laws.

According to the Electoral Commission, the final results of the 2021 general election have not been decided.

Official counting will begin tomorrow.

[Source: RNZ]