The race has begun to get an election ticket. This was evident with the number of people who turned up at the Human Rights Protection Party on Thursday to get a nod to fly the blue banner in the upcoming elections.

Roughly 40 possible candidates were seated at the head table while supporters filled the rest of the room. Among those in attendance were prominent figures old and new, from business, media and public service. They included Tuala Oli Ah Him, owner of the Millenia Hotel; Tologataua Sooalo Siolei Alofaifo, broadcaster and owner of 685 Radio; Pauli Prince Suhren, former chief executive of the Samoa National Provident Fund; senior medical doctor Leituala Dr. Ben Matalavea; owner of Tai Native Experience, Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu and Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei, former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. A few women were also present at the candidate table, including Su’a Toefuataina Seve Ieremia, who is expecting to run under the HRPP banner.

It is good to see qualified professionals taking an interest in joining politics. There will be similar interest shown for other political parties, including the new ones, especially the one to be led by Fiame Naomi Mataafa. This allows people to vote for candidates who know what their purpose in parliament will be. While there is an interest in getting elected into parliament, we have to question the motive behind this. Why do you want to become an elected representative?

Politics in Samoa is often seen as the epitome of all professions. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, professors and sports personalities have all ended up in politics. There seems to be a magnetic pull towards politics. Most people suggest that the reason why people enter politics is to make more money and gain more fame.

The current situation, while disheartening, has shed light on the true nature of some of our leaders. It has become increasingly apparent that there are those in power who were driven by personal ambition, seeking to serve only themselves, and there are those who genuinely care for the well-being of the people of Samoa. The unfolding events have exposed these individuals for who they truly are. If people are failing to recognise this, they should reconsider their perspective.

To those who want to get on board with the money train as their sole reason to join politics, you are not doing anyone a favour apart from yourself. These are the types of intentions that have seen poverty grow, children missing out on education, the drop in agricultural production, exports dropping, increasing crime, deteriorating infrastructure, including the power grid, a hospital that is falling apart, the rising cost of living, transparency and accountability are still dreams, there is abuse of power, corruption and in all of this the voters and their families are the ones who continue to suffer.

Please enter politics because you genuinely want to help the people who will vote for you. Become a member of parliament because you want every child in your constituency to have access to education, health and a better life. Enter politics because you want to help pass laws that will be good for the nation. If your motive to enter politics is anything apart from making your village, district and country a better place, then please stay away. And if you are going to represent a constituency, make an effort to go and see your constituents.

For such a long time, our elected leaders have been self-serving. The people need a change. Do not become leaders who knowingly make pie-in-the-sky promises during election campaigns. If you are going to do this, you are undermining voters’ ability to make informed choices. Knowingly making false, unachievable, and illegal campaign promises amounts to a political lie and breaches ethics and honesty. It is deceiving voters. Leaders and parties show their disrespect for voters by promising them things that are patently undeliverable. Making such promises is not in the best interests of the constituencies they purport to serve, nor is it in the best interests of the country.

Is your interest to serve the people or yourself?