Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has firmly rejected any notion of a premature coalition with the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), deeming such discussions “untimely” and politically inappropriate.

In a recent interview with the Samoa Observer, Tuilaepa responded to remarks by  Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) chairman La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, who suggested that the two parties were “already married,” by stating, “We won’t talk about marriage at this point. As of now, we haven’t reached that stage. Our advice to them (FAST and SUP) is to reconcile and fix their marriage. But do not drag HRPP’s name into such matters.”

Tuilaepa emphasised that, like a genuine marriage, any political alliance requires solemn vows before a reverend—a ceremony for which HRPP is not prepared. 

To reinforce his point, he used a vivid metaphor: “Only a foolish political party would be thinking of a coalition before the election results. It’s like cutting down a banana tree before it’s ready for harvest.” 

When he posed the rhetorical question, “What time do you harvest a banana tree?”, and Samoa Observer responded, “When it’s ripe?” laughter echoed through the room, emphasising his view that alliances must wait until the proper time.

Turning attention to the root of political discord, Tuilaepa noted, “The separation started within FAST—all members of SUP were once part of FAST.” He was referring to the departure of Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa and others following leadership disagreements—fault lines he believes stem from within FAST, not from HRPP.

He also addressed La’auli’s claim by invoking the meaning behind the chairman’s matai title: “La’auli has suggested such because that is the origin of his name ‘La’auli’. “Laa sese i le tuafafine i le pogisa”—that is where his thoughts come from, but HRPP is not like that.”

Tuilaepa said this to imply that La’auli is basing his assumptions on confusion and uncertainty, while HRPP claims clarity and purpose.

Echoing the leader’s stance, senior party members added further symbolic rebukes. Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi remarked, “HRPP does not want to marry a divorcee—we do not take leftovers.”

In turn, Loau Keneti Sio offered a dramatic metaphor, bluntly stating, “SUP is five months pregnant with FAST’s baby.”

These statements underscore HRPP’s position: SUP remains a derivative entity tied to its origins in FAST and not yet a credible or independent political partner.

Tuilaepa clarified that HRPP’s stance is based on principle rather than politics. He reiterated: “Only a foolish political party would be thinking of a coalition before the election results. It’s like cutting down a banana tree before it’s ready for harvest.” He stressed again the importance of solemnity and ceremony, noting that vows, whether marital or political, demand respect and timing.

This debate occurs against a backdrop of political instability in Samoa. FAST, which came to power in 2021, fractured earlier this year when leadership tensions between La’auli and Prime Minister Fiame erupted. 

The resulting formation of SUP by Fiame and her allies triggered a fresh crisis, culminating in the dissolution of parliament and the calling of a snap general election on August 29, 2025.

Should HRPP secure a parliamentary majority, Tuilaepa’s decision to resist alliances will be vindicated. In the event of a hung parliament, he has explicitly established that HRPP will only negotiate under circumstances marked by clarity, cultural respect, and electoral validation, not as a reactionary fallback.

With 29 August fast approaching, HRPP’s messaging underscores three primary possibilities: 

A majority victory, validating HRPP’s independent strategy. A hung parliament, where HRPP negotiates only on its terms—timely, dignified, and culturally respectful. 

FAST–SUP coalition attempts, which HRPP implies must be preceded by genuine reconciliation and internal cohesion within FAST and SUP themselves.

Tuilaepa has drawn definitive cultural and political boundaries around HRPP’s position. Emphasising solemn vows, ripe harvests, and Samoan proverbs, he asserts that HRPP will not marry hastily, accept leftovers, or negotiate under shadows.