On Sunday, 24 August 2025, the main theme in EFKS churches across Samoa will be “Fa‘amalosi i ē ua loto mafatia – Encourage the Disheartened”, taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–18. This is a timely and meaningful message as our nation stands on the threshold of a general election. Just five days later, on Friday, 29 August 2025, Samoa will once again stand at an important crossroads. On this day, our people will cast their votes to determine who will lead our nation for the next five years. This is one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy — the right to choose our leaders peacefully through the ballot box.

In the weeks leading up to this decision, Samoa’s major political parties — the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST), and others — have been actively presenting their policies, promises, and vision for the country. Campaigns have filled the air with speeches, debates, posters, social media promotions, and community meetings. Yet behind the excitement, many citizens also feel uncertainty, fatigue, and disappointment. The message from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–18 reminds us: “…Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…” These are not only instructions for spiritual living — they are principles for national leadership. True leadership lifts people up rather than tearing them down, serves the public good rather than self-interest, and builds trust through consistent action, not just promises. 

HRPP – Four Decades of Governance

For over forty years, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has shaped Samoa’s destiny through a legacy of leadership that has delivered tangible benefits to its people. Their governance has overseen the building of modern infrastructure, the expansion of education opportunities, improved health services, and steady economic growth. Though challenges and controversies have surfaced—as they do in any government—HRPP’s record is marked by resilience, political stability, and a long-term vision that has guided Samoa through times of change and progress. In its 2025 manifesto, HRPP builds on this proven legacy with a renewed commitment to serve every citizen directly. Central to their platform are COLA, SUPA, and PELEGA—three key pillars of benefit that ensure support is delivered straight to the individual, reflecting HRPP’s people-first approach. These initiatives are designed not only to ease the cost of living but to empower Samoans in their daily lives and strengthen the fabric of communities.

HRPP presents itself as more than a party of continuity; it is a party of experience and service that has consistently provided stability while adapting to the nation’s evolving needs. As Samoa heads into the general election, HRPP pledges to carry forward its legacy of development, stability, and service—ensuring that every decision and benefit directly uplifts the people of Samoa.

The Responsibility of Using God’s Name – A Biblical Warning

FAST’s full name — Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (“Faith in the One God of Samoa”) — is an honourable declaration of belief. But Scripture reminds us that invoking God’s name carries a sacred responsibility. His name is holy, never to be used as a tool for human ambition, political gain, or empty promises.

Key Biblical Warnings

1. Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”
2. Leviticus 19:12 – “Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.”
3. Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
4. John 18:36 – Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world…” making clear that His reign is spiritual, not political.
5. Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another…”

A Lesson from Israel – The Golden Calf (Exodus 32)

When Israel grew impatient waiting for Moses, they demanded a visible god. Aaron made a golden calf, and the people declared, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of Egypt.” They even called their idolatrous feast a festival “to the Lord.” Yet their actions were a distortion of His glory, and God’s wrath fell upon them for misusing His name to justify false worship. The lesson is sobering claiming God’s name while pursuing human desires invites judgment.

The Principle for Today

The golden calf warns us that attaching God’s name to human pride, politics, or unfulfilled promises dishonours Him. His name is not to be tied to manifestos or party banners unless every action reflects His justice, truth, and righteousness. Confusing God’s eternal Kingdom with earthly governments risks misleading His people and profaning His holy name.

FAST – Four Years of Challenges

FAST made history in 2021 by ending HRPP’s four-decade rule. Their victory raised hopes through ambitious promises, including $1 million tala district projects. Yet, four years later, many districts remain waiting, and political instability has overshadowed progress — with divisions, disputes, and the unprecedented early dissolution of Parliament in 2025. Some benefits were distributed through the Fono Faavae, but these reached only certain groups.

Their 2025 manifesto now echoes several HRPP initiatives, raising questions of originality and direction. While shared national priorities are natural, recycling policies under a new label risk appearing more like borrowed vision than fresh leadership.

The Lesson for Leaders and Voters

Promises are easy to make but difficult to keep. Leadership must be measured by faithfulness to commitments. As Jesus taught: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no” (Matthew 5:37). When God’s name is invoked in politics without integrity, the danger is twofold: the people are misled, and God’s name is dishonoured.

SUP, Other Political Parties, and Individual Candidates

The Samoa United Party (SUP) and other smaller political movements are also contesting this election, offering alternative perspectives on leadership and national development. SUP’s manifesto contains several thoughtful initiatives which, if implemented effectively, could bring tangible benefits to Samoa. Their greatest challenge, however, is to expand their support base and demonstrate the capacity not only to lead but also to maintain political and national stability.

Alongside these parties, a significant number of individual candidates are standing for election. Some have put forward genuine and practical proposals, but others have offered promises that are vague, untested, or influenced by hidden agendas. In some cases, their intentions remain unclear, raising questions about their true commitment to serving the people.

A further concern arises where certain individuals may be backed by private or business power. When this occurs, there is a risk that political influence becomes concentrated in the hands of financial backers rather than guided by the needs of ordinary citizens. For this reason, Samoa may need to reconsider aspects of its electoral laws — particularly the eligibility of individuals to contest seats as independents. If candidates wish to stand for public office, it may be more accountable and transparent for them to do so under the framework of a registered political party, rather than as stand-alone independents whose loyalties may be uncertain.

Ultimately, voters must be wise. A ballot should never be cast on the basis of short-term incentives or persuasive speeches alone. Instead, it should be grounded in integrity, clear policies, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. In a season of many voices and promises, Samoa’s future depends on choosing leaders who will uphold fairness, transparency, and stability for all.

Encouraging the Disheartened

In politics, the loudest voices are not always the most important. Often, those who need encouragement the most are the quiet ones — citizens who have lost faith in the political process, communities that feel neglected, and individuals uncertain about the future. To “encourage the disheartened” means:

• Listening to all citizens, not only one’s supporters.
• Acknowledging mistakes and taking genuine steps to correct them.
• Serving with humility rather than pride.
• Governing for the benefit of the whole nation, not just a select few.

True encouragement is not merely spoken — it is proven through consistent actions that rebuild trust and restore hope. Leaders who take this calling seriously will honour their commitments, take responsibility when they fall short, and always act with the nation’s best interests at heart.

The Role of the Voter – Trusting God’s Choice

Casting a vote is more than a civic duty — it is a sacred responsibility before Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth. When we enter the polling booth, we are not simply choosing leaders; we are making decisions that will shape the lives of our families, our children, and generations to come. God has given us a mind to think, a soul to discern, and a body to act — therefore, we must use these gifts wisely.

In this election, let us not be swayed by empty promises, short-term giveaways, or the influence of money and power. Instead, let us ask: Does this choice benefit my family, my community, and the whole of Samoa in the long run — or only a few? The lessons of the last five years remind us that decisions made in haste or without wisdom can bring hardship, division, and regret. But when we seek God first, we find the right path. As Proverbs 3:5–6 declares: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

As voters, we are called to:

• Seek truth diligently — test every promise and manifesto against reality and God’s standards.
• Reject division and selfish ambition — for Samoa is one nation under God, not a battleground of hatred.
• Pray earnestly for God’s wisdom, asking Him to reveal leaders who serve with integrity, humility, and justice.
• Choose with vision — selecting leaders whose policies will bless every household, not just the privileged few.

A Call for Unity and Integrity – One Nation Under God

On Friday, 29 August 2025, Samoa has the opportunity to stand together as a people founded on faith. Political parties may rise and fall, individual candidates may come and go, but God’s sovereignty never changes. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

This is not just about politics — it is about the future of our children, our grandchildren, and the dignity of Samoa as a Christian nation. We must be wise and courageous, rejecting leaders who chase power for themselves and supporting those who will govern with fairness, truth, and compassion. If individuals wish to stand, they must do so with transparency and accountability, not hiding behind personal gain or business power.

Above all, we must trust God to guide our nation. He alone knows the leaders who will carry Samoa forward in righteousness. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will unite our people — in Samoa and abroad — to walk together in wisdom, peace, and love, upholding our true foundation: Samoa is founded on God.

On this voting day, may every citizen step forward in faith. Cast your vote not with fear or favour, but with prayer and conviction, knowing that you are part of God’s great plan for Samoa. Let your choice bring blessing not only to your household, but to every family across this land.

Manuia le Aso Sa, Samoa.