Poll Confusion
p. 21 · Read in the full issue
Western Samoa Poll Confusion
THE PRIME Minister of Western Samoa, Mr Vaai Kolone, has been replaced as leader of the ruling co alition. The new leader of the coalition, which comprises the Christian Demo cratic Party and a group of independents known as the Vaai Kolone group, is the for mer deputy Prime Minister, Mr Tupua Tamasese Efi.
The leadership change followed a unanimous decision at a coalition caucus meeting at which Mr Vaai Kolone became
deputy leader. Mr Tupua Tamasese Efi was Prime Minister of Western Samoa from 1976 to 1982.
The coalition has also decided to form a new political group; a coalition spokes man said its name would be announced immediately.
At time of going to press, the election result was stalemated at 23 V 2 seats each for the Human Rights Protection Party and the Christian Democrats. The final result may depend on a draw from a hat.
The unusual resolution may be re quired to decide who holds the seat of Fa lealili, where candidates from both parties tied for second place in a constituency that returns two members to the 47 seat Parlia ment of Western Samoa. □