The
Samoa Observer reports the decision comes hours after the paper revealed that as part of his negotiations with both parties, Tuala had asked HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sa ilele Malielegaoi to stand down, as a condition of the party securing his vote.
Tuala s announcement, and creation of an additional parliamentary seat last night leaves Parliament in a 26-26 deadlock.
Samoa Independent MP, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponfasio,
Photo: Social Media
Parties are only given 45 days after election day to form a government.
The villages of Mauga, Patamea, Samalaeulu and Saleaula gathered at Samalaeulu and hosted an ava ceremony for Tuala.
The decision was met with loud applause and cheers from the constituents gathered.
Samoa election: Official result adds another Parliamentary seat for women rnz.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rnz.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The official results of Samoa s 2021 general election has the top main political parties still neck and neck.
The final round of counting ended today, and the Electoral Commissioner then presented the results to the Head of State, who then declared the results official.
The newly formed FAST political party and the well established HRPP are each on 25 seats.
It now looks likely the deciding vote will belong with independent Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio who is believed to be in discussions with his constituency to decide where he will cast his vote.
This evening electoral commissioner Faimalomatua Mathew Lemisio thanked everyone who took part in the 2021 election.