Tofa Lio Foleni Explained

Tofa Lio Foleni
Constituency Mp5:	Faasaleleaga No. 3
Parliament5:	Samoa
Term Start5:	4 March 2016
Term End5:	9 April 2021
Predecessor5:	Tuileutu Alava'a Voi
Successor5:	Tea Tooala Peato
Party:	Human Rights Protection Party

Tofa Lio Foleni (born ~1952)^[1] is a Samoan politician and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa. He is a member of the Human Rights Protection Party.

Tofa is from the village of Saipipi in Savai'i.^[1] He worked for the Ministry of Education for 40 years and as a businessman.^[1] He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in the 2016 Samoan general election^[2] and appointed Associate Minister of Women, Community and Social Development.^{[3] [4]} He later became Associate Minister of Health. In June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was accused of hosting a gathering at his home in violation of Samoa's emergency regulations.^[5] He denied the breach.^[6]

He lost his seat in the 2021 election.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Tofa grateful for the chance to serve . Samoa Observer . Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi . 31 March 2021 . 30 September 2021.
2. Web site: ‘An honour to serve’ . Sarafina Sanerivi . Samoa Observer . 6 March 2016 . 30 September 2021.
3. Web site: Samoa PM Names 13 Associate Ministers . Talanei . 26 March 2016 . 30 September 2021.
4. Web site: Tofa’s thrilling ride . Samoa Observer . Diedre Fanene . 1 April 2016 . 30 September 2021.
5. Web site: Associate Minister denies emergency breach . Samoa Observer . Soli Wilson . 5 June 2020 . 30 September 2021.
6. Web site: Associate Minister of Health sets record straight . Mata'afa Keni Lesa . Samoa Observer . 12 June 2020 . 30 September 2021.
7. Web site: F.A.S.T. landslide victory in Fa’asaleleaga No.4 . Samoa Observer . 10 April 2021 . Joyetter Feagaimaali'i . 30 September 2021.