After more than thirty years at the helm of Samoan politics, the Human Rights Protection Party is preparing for another crack at leading the country. On Friday, the Party named more than 120 candidates to contest the upcoming General Elections. What do you think about how the H.R.P.P has governed the country over the years? Are they protecting people’s human rights or are they not? Deidre Fanene asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

Afoa Elisala
Vaimoso 

I believe that the H.R.P.P has done a great job in looking after our country. For 35 years, they have achieved a lot in terms of developments. They have worked hard and I think they have done a great job in ensuring the people’s rights are protected. So I support them to continue.

Konelio Sulutolu
Falealupo, Savaii

For 35 years that the H.R.P.P has been in power, I give them credit for all the developments of the country. But I think they could’ve done more. We have to remember that it is not their money that they are using; it’s the people’s money. As for their human rights record, I believe it’s a mixed issue. There are some things they have done well but there are also many things they have not done. 

Faleali’i Vaimoe Seumanu
Ti’avea Aleipata

I give credit to the H.R.P.P for looking after the country. I know a lot of people are hoping that one day this government will change however, there is nothing that we can do about it. The current government has helped our people in so many ways. This is reflected in the number of candidates willing to represent them. 

Fao Manu’a 
Satalo Falealili

We are blessed because of the H.R.P.P. We became a better country because of them. They have done so much to help our people in their 35 years of service so we can’t complain. They have been looking after us for so long and so I want to say a big “faamalo” to them for their hard work that benefits us.

A’emanu Talavave
Fasitoo Uta/ Satalo Falealili

I know some people will not agree with what we are saying but it’s facts and everybody knows that. H.R.P.P has helped a lot of people and especially in education. They helped many schools in building new school buildings through the help that they ask of the Chinese Embassy and Japanese Embassy so therefore whatever others think, I believe that the H.R.P.P has done so much for this country.

Suipi Ueti
Lalovaea

What more can we ask for? We know the H.R.P.P is a good government because people keep voting them in. For 35 years they have ruled the country and that’s an indication that they have the trust of our people. This is proof that the people are happy because if the people were not happy, the H.R.P.P wouldn’t be here.