The Samoa Labour Party (SLP) has signalled its intent to play a key role in forming the next government, as it continues to gain support through its community consultations across the country.

Party President, Fa’aolēsa Katopau T. Aīnu’u said following a consultation with the Safata No.2 constituency, the SLP confirmed it has been actively engaging with voters to explain its policy platform, including its completed manifesto and flagship Family Welfare Scheme.

“We laid out our manifesto and Safata No.2 was quite impressed,” Ainu’u stated. “They were curious about its implementation, especially given that our party is small in numbers. We told them that the way things are going, the next government will likely be a coalition government.”

According to Ainu’u, the Labour Party currently has nine members and is aiming to gain two or three more by the time of the national election. He emphasised that while the party does not expect to win an outright majority, its growing numbers could allow it to play a decisive role in coalition negotiations.

“We can be a coalition partner with any party,” he said.

The SLP’s manifesto, which is now available online, outlines several significant policies. During the consultations, the party focused on explaining the Family Welfare Scheme — one of its central proposals. The scheme is subdivided into four parts, although further details have not yet been released.

Ainu’u clarified that the ongoing community consultations, such as the one held in Safata No.2, do not influence the contents of the manifesto, as the document has already been finalised. 

Instead, he said, the consultations serve to inform and engage the public on how SLP policies could be implemented if they are elected or form part of a governing coalition.

The next scheduled community meeting will be in the Falealili No.2 constituency on Saturday, 12 July 2025, as part of the party’s continuing efforts to connect directly with voters in both urban and rural constituencies.

The Samoa Labour Party has been increasing its visibility and grassroots engagement in recent months, aiming to establish itself as a serious political force despite its smaller size. While major parties continue to dominate the political arena, the SLP believes its focused policy approach and willingness to work across party lines position it well for influence in a potential coalition government.

Party officials have encouraged voters and interested members of the public to read their manifesto online and to participate in upcoming consultations as the election period draws nearer.