Tautua reveals election ‘lollies’
Samoan citizens living overseas will be able to vote in any election if the Tautua Samoa Party wins the upcoming General Elections on 4 March 2016. This and many other promises are contained in the Party’s official Election Manifesto, launched at the E.F.K.S Hall yesterday.
Tautua Samoa Party supporters.
Party leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II and his team would have been pleased by the good turnout with hundreds of people in attendance. Whether that will translate to votes remains to be seen.
But the promise for Samoans overseas to vote is not the only enticing point for voters in the Manifesto which is guided by the theme “Justice and Prosperity for All”. Salary increases for teachers; doctors, nurses and all health workers are being offered as part of an overall plan to improve Education and Health.
Aveau Niko Palamo and Lina Palamo
Under the Rule of Law and the Pursuit for justice section of the manifesto, the Opposition is insisting to establish an Anti Corruption Tribunal to clean up acts of corrupt practises in the public service.
The Party is also proposing to limit any Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms.
Afualo Dr Wood Uti Salele with his wife Rose Salele
When it comes to “Equal distribution of Wealth", the Tautua is proposing to increase the minimum wage from $2.30 to $3.00.
This is part of its plan to cushion the impact of the cost of living on members of the public, with the overall goal of reducing the cost of living.
The last area of the Party’s manifesto tackles the environmental challenges faced by Samoa. And one of the first things they are promising under “Environment Sustainability” is to strengthen the conservation of water catchment areas as well as promote the use of sustainable energy.
Muliaga Hunt, Vaai Papu and Aeau Peniamina Leavai
They are also proposing to review the existing laws in relation to customary and freehold lands.
The launch of the Party’s Manifesto was held together with the announcement of the Party’s candidates. This is the second year that the Tautua Samoa Party will challenge the Samoa’s ruling Human Rights Protections Party (H.R.P.P) to the right to rule.
The launch programme kicked off with a short prayer service by the Tautua’s Patron, Deacon Kasiano Leaupepe.
In his keynote address, Palusalue said it was time for a change of government. He lamented the country’s ballooning foreign debt of $1.4billion, warning that the future generations of Samoa will be faced with the burden of paying for the current government’s recklessness.
Palusalue said the H.R.P.P’s love for people has gone cold because they have become too powerful and arrogant.
Tautua Samoa candidates
In comparison, Palusalue said the Tautua Samoa Party’s Manifesto is motivated by love and the need to make changes for the better.
“Samoa, isn’t this the right time change our government,” he asked.
“If you feel that we need to change the government then give us your trust.”
Palusalue said the country will only suffer more if they allow Tuilaepa and his party to continue to rule.
“They have been in power for so long and look at the suffering of our people,” he said.
Le Tagaloa Pita and his supporters.
The Tautua’s Manifesto is divided into the following topics:
• Equal opportunity and skills for all
• Rule of law and pursuit of justice.
• Equal distribution of wealth
• Environmental sustainability
The Party’s Shadow Minister of Finance, Afualo Dr. Wood Salele, said they have been giving a lot of thought to their manifesto.
Lastly, Member of Parliament for Fa’asalelelaga No. 2, Papali’i Li’o Masipau announced their 26 candidates.
He added that they have 20 independent candidates but he could not reveal their names.
The Tautua Samoa Party will launch the same Manifesto in Savai’i today.
Tautua’s candidates:
VAIMAUGA SISIFO NU.2
Lefau Harry Schuster
FALEATA SASAE
Aveau Niko Palamo
AANA ALOFI NU.2
Ili Setefano Taateo Tafili
AANA ALOFI NU.3
Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster
LEFAGA & FALEASE’ELA
Unasa Tauaipolu Iulia Petelo (F)
SAFATA SISIFO
Palusalue Faapo II
FALEALILI SASAE
Tofuaiofoia Falefa Lima
LEPA
Tu’ulā Kiliri Lafi Tuitui
ALEIPATA ITUPA I LALO
Letiu Tamatoa Penaia
ANOAMAA SASAE
Alai’asa Elena
Poloai Akapo
FAASALELEAGA NU.1 SISIFO
Suafoa Faimata Fauena Sua
Talalafai Kapeli Vaiola
FAASALELELAGA NU.2
Papali’i Lio Oloipola Taeu Masipau
GAGAEMAUGA NU.1
Sala Malautea Muliagatele Iose McCarthy
GAGAIFOMAUGA NU.2
Manuta Lavamaile Uesilē
VAISIGANO NU.1
Vaai Papu
VAISIGANO NU.2
Motupuaa Uifagasa Aisoli Vaai
FALEALUPO
Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta
ALATAUA SISIFO
Momoemausu Siaifa Uipa
Pei Iefata Reupena Tauiliili
SALEGA SASAE
Tapuai Toese Ah Sam
SALEGA SISIFO
Afualo Wood Uti Salele
PALAULI SASAE
Fiso Taranaki Mailei- Tamasese (f)
PALAULI LE FALEFA
Le Tagaloa Pita
Tiatia Mapesone Malo