[4] However, following the 1973 elections he was eliminated in the first round of voting for Prime Minister, and was succeeded by Mata'afa.

Mata'afa died in 1975 and Lealofi was appointed by then Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II, as his replacement.

Following the 1976 elections he was defeated in the vote for Prime Minister by his cousin, Tupuola Efi.

He subsequently resigned from the Legislative Assembly and was elected to the Council of Deputies again.

[5] Lealofi died in Matautu on Upolu Island in July 1983 at the age of 61.