200 candidates were nominated for the election:[29] After electoral challenges were heard, the number dropped to 198: 113 for the HRPP, 50 for FAST, 14 for Tautua Samoa, 5 for Samoa First, 1 for Sovereign Independent Samoa, and 15 Independents.[30] A record 21 women stood for office.[31] Three candidates, Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, FAST leader Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, and cabinet minister Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi were elected unopposed.[32]