It is not elected officials who have the power to bring about change, it is the people. A simple act of voting the right people in will steer the nation in the right direction. That is the power yielded by a citizen of this nation.

The nation is tired of unfulfilled promises from all sides, regardless of whether it was the government, the party with the most seats, or the opposition. Each of these parties had its turn in power, and the people put them in power. Yet after so many years of democracy, what do we have to show for it? The cost of living is so high that $200 of shopping is not enough to feed a family of four for a week. The prices keep on increasing, and the purchasing power of people keeps on decreasing.

We have known from the moment independence was given that education will hold the key to the nation’s future, yet the attitude towards giving every child in this country an equal footing in accessing quality education is just lip service. Yes, we know of the thousands of policies and plans that are launched every year, but do we see them achieving what is promised in those documents? This is the story across all sectors of the economy. Be it health, education, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, women, child protection, social welfare, poverty and disability, it’s the same.

A policy paper is launched, which states the 10 or 20 goals that will be achieved in five years. Then, every year, a new policy paper replaces the last one. The crime rate has been rising, meth has made a base in the country, agriculture and fisheries exports are down, there is very little transparency and accountability allowing corruption to thrive and people are suffering.

All this can change. All it takes is a simple vote. It is time for voters to wake up from their slumber and stop following politicians blindly. An election is not a popularity contest where you are voting for Miss Samoa. An election will define how the nation will progress, its outcome may improve lives, provide access to better education and health, and it will bring in the right people who will work for those they represent and rid of those who only choose to serve themselves.

For many years, voters have been voting along family and village lines, under instruction from the village matai, where candidates are chosen for them or simply for the person who provided the most benefits and gifts. It is no secret that for some, casting a vote means a few hundred in the pocket or a three-day-long alcohol-filled binge session. A vote is much more than that. It holds the power to ensure the future of children is protected, it could be the long-lost answer to eradicating violence in homes, ridding child vendors off the streets and improving the lives of every child, woman and man.

Do not sell that vote, and do not succumb to pressure by the village council, which tells people who they should vote for or face village penalties. Each matai is a leader, and he or she must ensure that every voter in their village fulfils their right to vote and vote for any candidate they like. Village councils and chiefs have to move away from the practice of enforcing votes because a victory for their favoured candidate means money and progress for them. There is a greater motive at play, which is the good of the nation. Such greed has also resulted in self-serving elected leaders.

Your vote counts, and you have the right to choose who to vote for. It is time to open our eyes beyond the short-term gain and vote for those who will work for you and carry your voice in parliament, and not make their voice yours.  

The power to make the change is yours; do it for a better Samoa.