For almost 40 years, elections have been a one-horse race. The winds of change blew in 2021 with two parties ending in a photo finish. It seems that a new political party wants to enter the next election.

The making of a new political party is in the pipeline and if its momentum continues it will bring to the table a different philosophy that focuses on Christianity and culture.

Talks on the proposed party were confirmed by a matai and businessman Molioo Pio Molioo who has not officially registered the group yet, he is still contemplating its future.

The businessman went as far as meeting the Electoral Commissioner to discuss his intention to set up a new party and was told there were several requirements to comply with to formalise it.

The businessman was asked as to why he wanted to set up a new political party and the reason why he doesn’t support the government; his wife is a cabinet minister.

Molioo said he would have supported it if it was good but he believes that the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) Party does not stand true to its values.

Political parties are important for voters. Without political parties, electors would have to individually evaluate every candidate in every election. But political parties enable electors to make judgments about just a few groups, and then apply their judgment of the party to all the candidates affiliated with that group.

Right now, there are just two, and both differ in their mandates and manifestos. Perhaps there is a need for new political parties that bring with them promises that could help normal people. Maybe there is a need for more youth involvement in politics to have more representation in decision-making.

Maybe, there is a need for a new party that will champion women’s rights and ensure that there are more women candidates so there are more women in parliament. Perhaps, a new party that champions the rights of the disabled and would work to give equal opportunities in education and employment to these marginalised people in our society.

But more than anything there is a need for a party that is not corrupted by power and its motives are to help the nation grow. A party that will champion equal rights and citizenry and bring into practice transparency and accountability.

A party that will put people first and make wise decisions that do not discriminate against any member of the society. A party that will hold its members accountable for abuse of power, misuse of funds and their inability to prove why they deserve their voters' trust.

What is needed is a party that will not rely on social hierarchy to force votes from the masses by threats of banishment or through gifts disguised as a customary practice. This nation needs a party that will be incorruptible and will not have internal power struggles.

A party that will not wait for foreign aid to fix important infrastructure while its people are deprived of education, a proper functioning health facility, food security and social benefits to those living below the poverty line.

A party that considers the meth issue as one of being very urgent and helps law enforcement deal with the growing narcotic epidemic driving youths down the road of criminal activity.

Or maybe we do not need a new party, just the current parties to align their mandates to be transparent and accountable.

The next general election is in 2026. After the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is over, the two political parties would slowly start to campaign. As voters, people should audit what the last five years brought for them, did the nation achieve anything, was the cost of living reduced, did more children have access to education, and did everyone have the opportunity to get the best health services?

As voters, it is important that you are well-informed and the only way to do that is to have a transparent and accountable government where politicians are not there to hold on to power.