Vui says old opposition party could be revived

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 05 March 2019, 12:00AM

An old opposition party, the Samoa National Development Party (S.N.D.P.), could soon be revived. 

A founding member of the party, Vui Seigafolava Masinamua, revealed his plans to revive the party and said there is growing pressure on him from the public and the older generation. 

“There are a lot of founding members of S.N.D.P. who are in their graves and before I go ahead with the process and reveal that the S.N.D.P. is relaunched for next general election I have to seek blessing from their tomb and graves,” Vui told the Samoa Observer.

“Yesterday I met with some former members of S.D.U.P. (Samoa Democratic United Party) and gained their blessing and have given me their blessing." 

“But unfortunately I told them I need your blessing, but don’t expect you to run because your time (in politics) is up. And this is what I intend to do today, I have more meetings with more people but I cannot reveal their identity.” 

The S.N.D.P. was the main opposition party in Samoa between 1988 and 2003. 

In 2003, the party merged with the Samoa United Independents Political Party to form the Samoa Democratic United Party (S.D.U.P.). 

The current member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati, was the party leader at the time. According to Vui, he had served in politics for 29 years under the former Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, former S.D.U.P. leader, Asiata Saleimoa Va’ai and Le Mamea Ropati. 

While plans for the return of party is still in its early stages, Vui hopes to gain the trust of former members of the party to make his mission possible. 

He has also accepted a challenge from the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi to people critising government to return to Samoa and do the work if they have the guts. 

“He (Tuilaepa) had challenged me to come to Samoa if I had the guts and now I have come to Samoa,” said Vui. “I’m here to stay not to roam the streets of Apia and the game begins.”

Asked why he had decided to revive the political party after so many years, Vui pointed out the people need to understand the truth behind customary land and government legislation. 

“There are a lot of secrecy in this site and scenery and especially with customary lands. The truth with customary land must be explained properly. I am a man that never stops at anything and I am a fighter and I think I know how to defeat H.R.P.P.”

Pushed to elaborate on secrecy which he is accusing the Government of, Vui further made the allegations against the Government claiming some legislations are unconstitutional.

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 05 March 2019, 12:00AM

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