13 Dec 2005

Main opposition leader in Samoa set to be next PM - poll

9:19 am on 13 December 2005

An opinion poll in Samoa suggests the main opposition leader, Le Mamea Ropati, stands to become the prime minister after the forthcoming general election.

A survey of 200 eligible voters was carried out in different areas of downtown Apia on behalf of the Samoa Observer newspaper at the weekend.

Respondents were asked for their preferred prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele, of the Human Rights Protection Party, Le Mamea Ropati of the Samoa Democratic United Party or Su'a Rimoni of the Samoa Party.

Le Mamea topped the poll with 81, ahead of Tuilaepa with 54 and Su'a polled 27.

38 of those questioned did not want any of the three to be the next PM.

Eight of those polled were undecided.

The election is set to be held on February the 24th, local time.