Former Minister of Finance and Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) candidate, Sili Epa Tuioti will not concede defeat after trailing in the unofficial vote count to Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa Ua Tasi woman candidate, Matamua Seumanu Vasati Pulufana. 

He anticipates to file a petition with the court over the electoral results from the 2021 General Election. 

At his family residence in Salelologa, Sili was accompanied by his families and supporters, who urged him to challenge the results in court. 

“It is a request from my family, but there are pros and cons to weigh in before we can proceed to that, but most likely that will be the case. 

“I have to honour what my constituency wants and if this is what they are asking for, then we will take this matter to court,” he told the Samoa Observer, hours after the unofficial results came out. 

Sili was the Minister of Finance and oversaw a number of financial institutions including the Central Bank, Development Bank of Samoa, Unit Trust of Samoa and the National Provident Fund.  

The last five years was Sili’s first term in Parliament; prior to that he was Co-Managing Director and Principal Consultant for KVA Consult. 

He was a public servant for over 20 years; was Head of Treasury and the Principal Financial and Economic Advisor to the Government of Samoa from 1991 to 1999. 

Sili was also the Chairman of the Tender’s Board. 

At registration for election candidates last year, there were three people set to contest the seat for Fa’asaleleaga No.1. Alongside Sili and Matamua, businessman Fiu Gasologa Foloki was set to run for Parliament, but he withdrew his candidacy on the eve of a legal battle with Sili.

The final count of all election ballots will commence next week.