Voters in the upcoming election will have a tough time casting their vote. The Faatuatua i le Atua ua Tasi Party (FAST) has released its manifesto, and they, too, are promising what people want to hear.

FAST has promised free hospital services, a new hospital, a $200 cash allowance for pregnant women, a $100 monthly allowance for children until they are three years old, free diapers, increased district grants, a cash allowance for poor families, and tax exemption on food.

FAST promised to increase funding from $1 million per district to $1.5 million or $2 million, depending on the size and population of each constituency. The party also announced plans to increase the retirement age from 55 to 65 and to increase pensions for the elderly.

To combat rising living costs, families earning less than $20,000 annually will receive monthly cash support ranging from $360 to $770, depending on household size. Essential items like baby formula, basic food products, and agriculture-to-market goods will be VAT-exempt. FAST will allocate 30 per cent of ACC contributions to workers’ retirement savings and introduce a national pension scheme for Samoans living overseas. It also plans to create a $1 million fund for trade unions and employer associations.

These are great ideas, but the FAST party has failed to outline how they plan to finance all of this. The first thing to consider is the increase in district grants. We all know that there has been very little accountability shown by district councils regarding how they have used public funds, and empowering district councils with more money without a mechanism of checks and balances is worrying.

FAST has also promised a new school dedicated to children with disabilities, and hiring high-performing school leavers into public service. The FAST party, whether divided or not, had the chance to do all of this in the last four years. Why are they looking to promise these things now? And if they did not do these things in the previous four years, what guarantee is that they will see their new promises through?

Hidden among the FAST election promises is a proposal for a $1.5 billion carbon credit scheme in partnership with international brokers, the launch of a national stock exchange, and an injection of $300 million into revitalising Samoa Airways. The national stock exchange suggestion leads back to the idea of the Sasina Economic Exclusive Zone and the alleged signing of the deal with the Chinese companies in Hong Kong in 2023. A deal that showcased Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo and FAST leader Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt on stage with Chinese companies in Hong Kong. This deal was not endorsed by the cabinet. The Sasina Economic Zone deal has been rejected by the government because of the loopholes it presents and the likelihood of the investors setting up an operation that is not legitimate. It is thought-provoking that the party is still adamant about this deal.

FAST has also promised $50 million for renewable energy projects, the Samoa Water Authority, agriculture, and food production. FAST aims to support local fisheries and poultry farms to reduce food imports. This sounds interesting, given the fact that the FAST leader was the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in the previous government and the government before that. Under his watch, the agriculture and fisheries industries are declining and to the point of becoming obsolete.

Voters have a tough job ahead as they weigh in on who will deliver the best for them when the next government gets into place. Take note of previous performance, the previous promises and see who has delivered. If none have, vote for someone new, someone accountable and someone who will not lie to your face.