The caretaker Minister of Health, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers is leading the pack in the race for the Gagaifomauga No.1 seat, according to preliminary results.

Faimalotoa, who is from Safotu, declined to be interviewed on Friday evening when results landed at her family home, saying she will grant an interview on Saturday after a meeting with the village. 

Last preliminary results showed 481 for Faimalotoa Kika Stowers, 242 for H.R.P.P.'s Timu Iakopo Timu, 186 for Tautua Samoa Party's Lavea Lua Nafoi and 163 for F.A.S.T.'s Uuga Fidow. 

Faimalotoa entered the political arena through a by-election in 2014, and completed her second term this year as Minister of Health and the National Kidney Foundation. 

Faimalotoa is a former Director of Broadcasting for the Radio 2AP where she worked from 1968 to 2003. 

She was an elected as Associate Minister for the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

She took over from former Health Minister, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, who has been handed the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development portfolio.

The reshuffle was made in 2019.

The leading female candidate is married to Tevaga Filipo Ah Kau and they are members of the Roman Catholic Church.