Caretaker Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has expressed shock about five Cabinet Ministers losing seats during the General Elections.

During a talkback show with 2AP, Tuilaepa said that perhaps redefining the boundaries of some constituencies had played a role.

“I was surprised, especially in the areas where boundaries were redefined,” he said. 

“In the past some constituencies had two votes but that has since changed to one man one vote.

“What happened in the past was that some people didn’t use their second vote.”

The comments from the Prime Minister follow the announcement of the official result of the election.

Among the Cabinet Ministers to have lost seats are:

• Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua

• Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Fa’amoetauloa Dr. Faale Tumalii

• Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Manualesagalala Enokati Posala 

• Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Maele

• Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau.

But Tuilaepa was not shocked about the result at Safata West where the leader of the Tautua Samoa Party, Palusalue Faapo II lost.

He joked that the outcome reminded him of a story.

“It’s one where David and Goliath fought but in the end Zechariah won the battle,” he said laughing referring to a new M.P who defeated both Palusalue and Minister Manualesagalala.