Dear Editor,

The Court decision on the Faasaleleaga 2 post-election petition by FAST Candidate Magele Sekati against HRPP MP Vaaelua delivered last Friday sends a clear message that the rule of law prevails in Samoa.

Evidence reportedly provided by witnesses revealed the open abuse of public funds to bribe voters on the day of polling. These were funds appropriated for so-called district community development projects.

It was a tactic used by FAST candidates in a win-at-all-costs strategy by their party. They were under the mistaken belief that once the FAST Party came into power, all criminal and bribery investigations would be stopped by the Prime Minister or settled through out-of-court cash deals.

The FAST leadership did not count on HRPP candidates like Vaaelua having the moral courage to stand up for the rule of law or that the Courts would stand in their way.

They also underestimated the role of the independent media in holding their government accountable. For too long, the FAST Party has enjoyed using social media commentators posing as journalists to promote their narrative of Christian-based grassroots leadership. When the independent media start asking FAST leaders tough questions about transparency, accountability and the rule of law, they resort to personal threats and violence.

There is no doubt that Samoa will show its resilience and re-emerge once again as a beacon of good governance in the Pacific despite the FAST Party's efforts to return us to the dark ages.

The road to democracy is never easy, but it is a journey worth taking.

It starts with individuals who have moral courage and integrity, as well as institutions such as the Courts, churches and free media who will stand up for the rule of law and principles of freedom.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of the HRPP