briefings, despite the lack of imminent threats. Campaigning ceased at midnight on 3 March; on election day, polling stations closed at 3 pm local time, although other stations, including special polling booths, remained open past that time. Individuals who had not voted but had been waiting in line at stations that closed at 3 pm were allowed to cast their ballots. There were no reports of violence, and a liquor ban was in place during the election. The Pacific Islands Forum, which sent a delegation to observe the electoral process, declared the election free, fair and peaceful. Results Final results showed the HRPP retained its majority, winning 29 seats, while the TSP secured 13 and independents won seven. Around 90% of registered voters participated in the election. Three cabinet ministers, such as justice minister Unasa Mesi Galo, lost re-election. Only two female candidates, including Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, were elected. Two candidates were elected unopposed. By constituency Double member constituencies Uncontested The following two candidates were elected without opposition: Aftermath Following the election, all seven independents joined the HRPP, giving the ruling caucus a two-thirds majority with a total of 36 seats. Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, the member of parliament for Anoama'a West, was elected deputy leader of the HRPP and subsequently became the new deputy prime minister. He succeeded Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, who opted not to seek re-election and retire. Among other new cabinet ministers was Le Mamea Ropati, a former opposition leader who led the Samoan Democratic United Party in the previous election cycle. The Tautua Samoa Party’s founder and chief whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, expressed confidence that the party would perform well in the next election cycle. He also stressed the importance of party unity and stated, "Five years from now, we should definitely win. This [election] is a good start for us, and we have a good opposition, so we should start our campaign right now, and that's what we are going to do now, is prove to the people and educate them and tell them what Samoa needs, and the next election should be a[n] easy battle for us." Several members of parliament later lost their seats by order of the Supreme Court due to electoral petitions. Among these individuals were opposition leader Va'ai Papu Vailupe and the associate minister of natural resources and environment, Taua Kitiona Seuala. By-elections subsequently took place in July in the ousted