In a decisive move to distinguish itself ahead of the general elections, the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) has pledged to fulfil a series of unexecuted policy commitments originally promised by the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) administration.

The statement was made by caretaker Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo, in a campaign video broadcast via SUP’s Facebook page, positioning the party as the corrective force to FAST’s governance shortfalls.  

The SUP’s campaign commitment specifically targets several high-profile initiatives that, despite being central to FAST’s election platform, were never realised during its term.

Among the most prominent was a proposed increase to the national pension scheme, which would have raised monthly payments for retirees from $200 to $300.

Similarly, a promised $150 monthly disability allowance, designed to support some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, was never implemented.  

Leatinu’u also stated that FAST failed to secure an additional $6 million in funding for overseas medical treatment, a budgetary provision that was ultimately rejected in parliament—a decision in which both FAST and the opposition Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) played a role. 

This omission has had tangible consequences for Samoans requiring specialised healthcare unavailable domestically, exacerbating existing strains on the nation’s medical infrastructure.  

Beyond social welfare commitments, FAST also left key electoral reforms unaddressed. These included granting voting rights to the Samoan diaspora, a move that would have expanded democratic participation for citizens abroad, as well as the long-promised reconfiguration of certain electoral constituencies.

In his remarks, Leatinu’u did not mince words in assessing FAST’s performance. “The failure to advance these initiatives was not due to external obstruction, but rather the result of FAST’s unwillingness to prioritise them,” he stated. 

“Having made these commitments to the Samoan people, their subsequent inaction represents a fundamental breach of trust, one that has had real and damaging consequences for communities across the nation.”  

The SUP has framed its platform as both a corrective measure and an enhancement of FAST’s original vision. “Our commitment goes beyond merely fulfilling these neglected promises,” Leatinu’u emphasised. 

“A SUP-led government will not only implement these measures but will do so in a manner that maximises their benefit for all Samoans."

Leatinu'u will contest the Faleata No.2 seat against FAST candidate, Mua'aufa'alele Mary Fa'afouina-Taeu, while HRPP and SLP are yet to present candidates.