P.M. "delighted" by new opposition

By Talaia Mika 31 July 2020, 7:00PM

The Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, the leader of the governing Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) has congratulated a new political party contesting the 2021 General Elections.

Chaired by the former Speaker La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao Fosi, the newest political party Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (National Unity in God) - F.A.S.T. - was registered on Thursday.

During the Prime Minister’s 2AP programme on Thursday, the Prime Minister said he was "delighted" that words had "finally" been put into action through the party’s registration.

 “I am very happy because it was taking too long for them to officially announce (their party),” he said.

The Prime Minister claimed that it appeared the majority of the new party members were drawn from the Samoa Solidarity International Group (S.S.I.G).

“But hopefully, they have long term plans for the future because with things like parties, it’s all about the future plans and what you aspire to do for the people,” he said. 

“It’s not about criticising the other party but what people want are your developments to be done.

“[Anyways], I congratulate them. If they were to invite me, I would’ve brought them a gift from my team as [the Samoa National Democratic Party] did.

“We would’ve been shaking hands, chatting and laughing.”

Tuilaepa reminded the party to emphasise on planning in advance and to prepare their political platform. 

“[Public] announcement is not important in the election but winning [is],” he added.

Tuilaepa says he is looking forward to the challenge.

One of the new party’s announced top new visions were for limitations to be imposed on the Prime Minister’s seat to just two terms, or ten years in office. 

At the official registration on Thursday, more than 10 supporters and candidates joined the former Member of Parliament at the Office of the Electoral Commissioner, where they officially registered the new party. 

La’auli’s dispute with the Prime Minister and the party of which he was a former senior member the H.R.P.P., has been covered prominently of late. 

Other familiar faces to accompany La'auli to the registration were M.P. Olo Fiti Va'ai, Mulipola Mulipola Anarosa Molio'o, members of the Samoa Solidarity International Group [S.S.I.G. ], and Apulu Lance Polu of Talamua Media.

Fifty candidates have joined the new party each from 50 different constituencies according to Laauli.

There are now seven political parties that have officially registered for the 2021 General Election, Faimalomatua Mathew Lemisio, the Electoral Commissioner confirmed. 

By Talaia Mika 31 July 2020, 7:00PM

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