Dear Editor,

Well, here we are. The national budget has been defeated in Parliament, and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa is now left with the unenviable task of advising the Head of State to dissolve Parliament and call a snap election. Buckle up, Samoa, we're going back to the polls whether we like it or not.

But while we wait for the official date to drop (and for campaign posters to start wallpapering every coconut tree), I can’t help but laugh at one particular scenario that’s being whispered among political dreamers: Laauli as Prime Minister.

Yes, that Laauli.

Now, I know he’s got his loyal fanbase usually found on Facebook Live or sitting under tents at family functions but come on - Laauli leading the country? That’s not a political plan, that’s a sitcom pitch.

Imagine Laauli on the world stage, sitting next to Anthony Albanese, being asked about Gaza, climate change, or AUKUS. “Uh… well… the matai in Savai'i haven’t met about that yet.” International diplomacy would turn into open mic night.

Picture this, CNN cuts to Samoa’s Prime Minister giving a press conference, and Laauli walks up with a fala under one arm and starts quoting Samoan proverbs. “The coconut that falls first is the one that ripens early.” What does that even mean in the context of nuclear policy? No one knows. But hey, it sounds deep.

If Laauli does become PM, we might have to change our national slogan to: Samoa – Beautiful One Day, Bewildering the Next.

Now, shifting gears to HRPP. The big question is: who’s going to lead them? Will Tuilaepa make another comeback like a political Fast & Furious movie, or will Fonotoe finally step out from behind the curtain?

Don’t get me wrong, Tuilaepa is a master of political survival. He’s like the cockroach of Samoan politics (meant respectfully, of course). You just can’t get rid of him. But let’s face it, he’s not exactly the poster child of popularity anymore. People see his face on a campaign poster and cross the street.

If HRPP wants a real shot at power again, they need to dust off Fonotoe, shine him up, and push him to the front. He’s younger, smoother, and hasn’t been on Samoa Observer’s front page 45 times in the past year. It’s a no-brainer.

Meanwhile, Fiame will likely be launching her own official party soon. The question is, who will jump ship to join her? There’ll be more political switching than a game of musical chairs at a family fiafia night. Don’t be surprised if some MPs start claiming they’ve always supported Fiame, even if last week they were still wearing HRPP shirts to the market.

One thing’s for sure, this upcoming election isn’t just about policies or budgets. It’s about who we trust to represent us without turning Samoa into a global punchline. 

So yes, let’s brace ourselves for campaign season, the promises, and the posters and of course, the wild ideas, like Laauli in a suit trying to explain international sanctions to CNN. Comedy gold but also terrifying.

Concerned