One more sleep and we head to the polls. The day that will decide which elected leaders will take the wheel and steer the nation ahead.

As the sun rises on 29 August, we hope that candidates look at it spreading light through the darkness. We hope they realise just as the sun lights up the day, their roles, if elected, would be to light up the lives of the people they represent by serving them. Candidates have to realise that this is an opportunity to do good for the nation and not themselves. If they are in this for the latter reason, then the parliament is not a place for them.

If candidates and parties are promising to do the best for the people they represent and work for them, then why do they feel there is a need to buy a seat in parliament? Is this the only way to get there? Contrary to the denials, monetary rewards have been rife. Is it so hard to get a seat without giving money to voters?

This is one of the reasons why the roots of corruption keep getting thicker and stronger. Even voters have to question themselves on why they are so easily sold. The sale of a vote is like selling one’s integrity. That vote decides the future of Samoa, its people and children.

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.

For such a long time, our elected leaders have been self-serving. The people need a change. Do not become leaders who knowingly make false 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.

Candidates, think hard about what you can do for Samoa. Voters, your votes will decide the future of this nation. Do you want to sell it or give it to someone who will make a difference for you, your family and the future generation?