By Staff Writer
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is saying little about how a new Government hangs on the winning vote of the only independent elected MP.
He believes, however, that newly elected MP Tuala Ponifasio of Gagaemauga 1, is well aware of the weight his choice carries.
“We fully agree with his decision to consult his electorate on the best choice to make that will serve them well,” PM Tuilaepa said from HRPP party headquarters at Sogi on Saturday.
MP Tuala was the only independent candidate in a 3-man race for the Gagaemauga 1 seat that included party hopefuls from the HRPP and FAST.
He is the first to represent the new Savaii island electorate that was once merged by tradition and culture to the Sagaga constituency in Upolu.
His new electorate emerged after the drawing of new electoral boundaries based on election convenience rather than traditional customs and traditions.
Tuala is no stranger to the HRPP as a former candidate of the party in the 2016 general election.
Meanwhile the PM Tuilaepa met up with all of the party candidates who either won or lost their respective electoral constituencies on Saturday morning at party headquarters.
“It’s an established tradition for us to get together the day after the elections to offer our prayers of thanksgiving for the work we’ve been through.
“It’s also a moment we share to congratulate those who were successful and to commiserate with the others who missed out.”
The emotions were mixed with many looking tired and weary after the stress of waiting out the final results on polling day that for some continued late into the night.
The smiles were wide and beaming for mostly the elected MPs especially the returning members.
The first timers appeared shy and timid as if still not sure of what they have achieved or become overnight.
