Government heads roll in Samoan poll

APIA - Two ministers lost their seats as Samoa's ruling party was returned to power but with a reduced majority.

The election was a test of the popularity of the Human Rights Protection Party and Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, who has reformed Samoa's creaky economy.

His party won 30 seats, five fewer than at the last election.

But it is 20 seats clear of the main opposition in the 49-seat Parliament.

The ministers who lost their seats were Gaina Tino (justice) and Ulu Vaomalo Kini (police).

Tuila'epa, 61, an economist, is the first Samoan to earn a masters degree.