We are at an interesting point in Samoa’s history. How did we get here? The answer is simple. It is the failure by some in power to follow the law and think that their positions make them untouchable.

We have reached a point where entering a democratic process could result in violating democracy itself. The electoral rolls are not up to date, and the necessary changes in law could not be implemented due to the power grab by some politicians. And who suffers? The people of this nation. If the law had been followed and there had been no intention of manipulating it to suit people’s agendas, the path to the next general elections would have been smoother.

Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa may not have addressed the nation at times when she was supposed to and often stayed out of the limelight, leading many to question her ability to lead the nation, but one thing she has done properly is follow the law. That attribute is leader-like. That is the entire reason why the attempts to remove her through expulsion from her political party, the votes of no confidence, and the defeat of the budget have seen her maintain her top seat in the executive. She is perhaps guilty of sitting on important decisions, such as disciplinary action against her party members and cabinet ministers when they were out of line.

On the opposite side of the coin, there are people like the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, who, under political influence, thought it proper to have La’auli Leuatea Schmidt nominated to be the caretaker prime minister, even when he is facing multiple criminal charges. The move was illegal and flawed. The Attorney General is in the process of preparing a response to this action. It was in December when the police wanted to move in and charge, Laauli but a request was made for the holiday season to be over, and when the charges were laid in January, Laauli refused to step down as a cabinet minister, leading to his sacking. The breakdown of the FAST party began with that. He could not tolerate being sacked as a cabinet minister, and then he moved to sack Fiame and other cabinet ministers, thinking this would allow him to become prime minister or someone he could control to lead the nation. But that did not happen because it seemed either he or his advisers did not understand how the law worked.

It is not only Laauli who thought they were above the law. During the VIP terminal saga, Papalii Lio Masipau broke international conventions on aviation and immigration security by bypassing security checks and boarding an airline to New Zealand. He later blatantly denied this. This was the incident that led to a power-crazed Olo Fiti Vaai stating, “That’s my airport.” What about the incidents surrounding the Kite Runner, the direct-China flights, the sale of the agricultural land to American Samoa, the stock market affair in Hong Kong and the Sasina economic zone? All these incidents show a disregard for the law.

These actions should be a lesson to us as the people of this nation. In the coming days, new political parties will emerge, and we will get to know more about the people intending to grab an election ticket. This will cause many to gift people in their districts. We love gifts, after all, they are free. But under the law and being morally righteous, as Christians, is it right for us to take these gifts?

The sad thing is that despite what has happened and what is happening, there are some people with blind faith in their leaders and they cannot see them do any wrong. Some have even elevated them to levels of sainthood. Sadly, people choose not to see the lies, corruption and abuse.

Wake up, Samoa. It is said all is part of God’s plan, and if it is, the power has been handed back to the people to elect people into power who will work for the people and not for themselves. Above all, they will follow the rule of law and never assume to be above it.