Dear Editor,

A lot had been loosely thrown around on social media platforms, rallies and even pulpits in the past couple of months leading up to the election. I must say that the language used by some die-hard supporters was straight from the gutters, flabbergasting to say the least.

In other countries, verbal insults can cost lives. But this is the essence of having a strong foundation in God, interwoven into traditional cultural beliefs. As such, I would not want to be anywhere but to be a cog and a wheel in my beloved country of Samoa.

Let us hope that with the outcome of the elections, we can all take a step back, re-evaluate, forgive and forget. Most important of all, allow the psychological wounds to heal.

To our elected leaders, we challenge you to step up your game and be the Leaders of Substance that we all want you to be.  

Reported incidents whereby some seasoned candidates have disregarded the laws governing the polling process bring back memories of the perceived reasons for the recent party split in the eyes of some – special treatment and total disregard for the common law.

Are these signs of things to come, or are these one-off incidents?

This is our challenge to the discerning new government. Do not put yourselves above the rule of law. If you have proclaimed yourselves to be chosen of God, then at least act like it.

Sagai ane ‘Ai o le Tai, ma ia Utupupuina i le Alofa le Moe ma le Uta aua se manuia o Samoa.

To our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, aunties and uncles who have elected the new   Government, we stand with you regardless of our differing views. Let us hope that your decision will not come back to bite us all. At the end of the day, we are all family.

To the losing candidates, the sun will rise again. Do not be disheartened by this outcome; everything will fall into place with God’s timing. E le falala fua le niu…

To the winning candidates who will make it to parliament and form the opposition, do not take your callings lightly. All callings are from God.

Lastly, we implore you all that the last thing our frail economy needs is another prolonged process of court cases consisting of suits and counter-suits.  

The people have spoken. It is what it is now.

Let us move things along for the common good of the country and its citizens. In return, we will preserve the respect and honour we have for your courage and ongoing services.

Mamea