The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) officially welcomed Pauli Tevita Tariu as their candidate for the Fa’asaleleaga No.1 seat during a formal handover ceremony at party headquarters in Mulinuu on Wednesday.

Three buses and vehicles filled with residents of Fa’asaleleaga No.1 dressed in blue, brought their candidate, Pauli, to the Maota i Petesa hall.

Pauli was presented to HRPP executives, constituency representatives, and party supporters in a welcoming ceremony that marked his official political debut.

HRPP leader and former Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi thanked the constituency for putting their faith in Pauli as their candidate.

Pauli rose to prominence as the 2018 winner of Fika Fou, TV1 Samoa’s transformative weight loss program.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, he stated that his reason for running in this year’s election is that he wants to return Samoa to how it thrived under the HRPP administration.

He also outlined a comprehensive platform focusing on seven key areas; cultural preservation, Christian values, education, health services, good governance, women’s inclusion, and youth development.

He specifically promised to reinstate what he called “HRPP’s proven development model” that previously elevated Samoa to middle-income status.

He also emphasised economic revitalisation through business support and agricultural development.

When asked why he opted to run under HRPP rather than other political parties, Pauli stated that he was once a supporter of Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party when they first came into power. He said FAST failed to further the development of Samoa.

“As we have seen, instead of the development our people deserve, we’ve seen our nation go backwards under their leadership,” he said.

“HRPP has proven experience in moving Samoa forward, and that’s exactly what I’ll bring back to my constituency if I’m successful in this year’s election.

Tuilaepa endorsed Pauli’s comments by adding, “Our track record speaks for itself. When HRPP was in government, Samoa was thriving and moving forward. Now we need strong voices like Pauli’s to get us back on track.

Pauli is set to contest the Fa’asaleleaga No.1 seat against caretaker Minister of Justice, Matamua  Vasati Pulufana, who is running under the Samoa Uniting Party’s (SUP).