It was Tuiloma Tusa Lancelot Lameko's dream to be able to follow in his late father's footsteps. He has taken the first steps to a dream that would become a reality if he wins his seat on election day.

The Falealili No.1 Constituency introduced their candidate, Tuiloma, to the Human Rights Protection (HRPP) Party on Friday morning.

Hundreds of matai, untitled men and women, filled up the Petesa Headquarters to show their support for Tuiloma.

Tuiloma's late father, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, was a founding member of HRPP and one of the longest-serving parliamentarians. He was considered a hero of the HRPP's caucus, according to HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Tuiloma acknowledged the support from his constituency. 

He said if he is elected for his constituency, he will fight for more opportunities under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

"Falealili is one of the many constituencies that have been benefiting from this useful scheme. I'll have to make sure it will be given the green light again with more opportunities," Tuiloma said.

Tuiloma said this is a dream come true for him to be able to run under his late father's party because he believes it will be a blessing to his whole constituency.

"My father's wish is for us, his children, to continue to support HRPP, the party for the people," Tuiloma added.

The 61-year-old public servant of 30 years said being a public servant for many years made him realise the priorities for his constituency.

Tuiloma is the second son of the late Tuiloma to enter politics, should he succeed in the upcoming general election. His brother Aumua Isaia Lameko was a former member of parliament for Falealili West.

Tuiloma in the last general election ran from the Fa'asalele'aga No.4 using his Vui matai title.

Tuiloma, who is an accountant by profession, said his desire to run for public office comes from his will to give back to the community and the country. 

"I have been serving the government for more than 30 years, but also in the private sector. I want to continue serving and giving back to the community. 

"I want to make good use of the talents, knowledge and experience that I gained throughout my 33 years of service to the Government. I will make good use of it to serve the community.”

His late father’s success in Samoa’s political arena and his connection to the ruling party were not lost on the candidate. 

“I come from a family with a strong political background. My father was a founding member of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party and was an MP, a cabinet minister and went on to become a Council of Deputy,” he reiterated.

Tuilaepa highlighted that Falealili is now full of cars and new houses because of the RSE scheme.

"That is the fruit of the hard work by HRPP in the past for families to develop and be blessed with these opportunities overseas," Tuilaepa said.

"There is nothing HRPP promises and hasn't done; we don't do broken promises."