Educator Matafeo Lesaisaea Reupena will run for the  Fa'asaleleaga No.4 Constituency in the 2021 General Election.

Until recently the Principal for Avele College, he will be up against the Associate Minister for the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Tuesday, after registering as a candidate for the ruling Human Rights Protection Party [H.R.P.P.], Matafeo said he wanted to continue the legacies of his grandfather, father and uncles who were all politicians. 

"Politics has always been in our blood," Matafeo said. "My grandfather, father, and uncles were politicians too. So I have always wanted to continue on the legacy. 

"It's more or less a sacrifice. If I am successful I will not consider it as a promotion. I will consider it as a means of showing humility and being out to serve the people and the public in general. 

"I hope to do that if I am successful." 

Matafeo said that he has already met up with the two villages, Lano and Asaga and they have accepted his candidacy.  

"I hold the Matafeo title from Asaga and Se'inafolava from Lano so I am using both titles because I have families in both villages."

If successful, Matafeo said his main focus will be on health and education. 

"I think infrastructure development so far is okay, but there are some improvements that we need in education and the health sector,” he added. "Because there is no use of having very good infrastructure in place but (the) people are not healthy. 

"Also having good infrastructures means nothing if people are not educated."

Moreover, Matafeo said he is also keen to push for a bridge to be built at Lano. 

"That is one of the things that need to be done. The river has cost so many lives in the past. 

"It threatens the safety of people not only from our constituency but also from the other side of Savai'i. 

"And we need to push for that."

Emphasising that he is confident of winning, Matafeo said they are praying and fasting for his  victory during the polling next April. 

"To be honest with you, I am confident. I am not confident because of the people, but I am confident because of the Lord.

"I think I will win. We've been fasting and praying for this. If I win, I will dedicate it to the Lord.

"Whenever or wherever God calls me, I will use it to declare the glory of God in the House of Parliament. Samoa needs that, we need it."

Until recently the Principal for Avele College, Matafeo said he was sad to make his exit as the college principal. 

"According to the regulations, you have to resign three months prior to the election and I (will) follow what the law says. 

"However, I am beginning to miss Avele College and the education system. But if this is how it goes with the Lord's calling, I have to obey."

Matafeo Se'inafolava Lesaisa'ea Reupena Matafeo last contested in the 2001 General Election for the Vaisigano No.2 seat, but was defeated by Tafito Valasi by just three votes.