The Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) endorsed candidate for Aana Alofi No. 2, Aiono Gafa Tile, has won the race for constituency's seat after the official recount on Monday afternoon. 

Aiono takes a marginal lead of 414 votes ahead of Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) female candidate, Lolomatauama Eseta Mataiuli collected 393 ballots following the recount that included special and pre-polling votes. 

Despite Lolo winning 23 votes in pre-polling and 11 special votes it was not enough to close the gap with Aiono. The H.R.P.P. winner got 25 special votes and 21 pre-polling ballot. 

After a close race with four candidates vying for the seat on Friday, the former Member of Parliament, Aiono came out as the winner by a margin. 

The confirmation of Aiono's victory as the Member-elect for Aana Alofi No. 2 – following the addition of the special and pre-polling votes – affirms the total seat numbers for the former ruling party at 20.

It is not known if Lolo, as a woman candidate and the runner-up to the eventual winner Aiono, qualifies to be considered for the constitutional provisions on women representation in the 51-seat Legislative Assembly.

The Office of the Electoral Commission (O.E.C.) – through the Attorney-General – has asked the Supreme Court through a declaratory relief for its interpretation of the constitutional quote for women Members of Parliament. 

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