Minister predicts H.R.P.P. victory in 2021 General Election

The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.), Lopao'o Natanielu Mu’a, is optimistic.

He says the ruling Human Rights Protection Party will win the 2021 General Elections.

With two new political parties recently launched bringing the number of registered political parties in Samoa to four, the Member of Parliament for Vaisigano No. 1 is adamant the H.R.P.P. has nothing to worry about.

“I have a lot of confidence in the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.R.P.) that they’ll win again,” he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

“The H.R.P.P. is doing a very good work, it’s hard work.”

He said politics is everybody’s game, and the people have the right to choose which Government they want. 

“God and the people see what the H.R.P.P. is doing and it’s up to them," he said. 

“So if they decide that the H.R.P.P. is doing something good, I’m sure they’ll want us back but the choice is theirs. 

“We are in a free democratic country. If the other parties come up with good policies and mandates and the country likes it... but I’m very confident with H.R.P.P.”

Lopao'o also confirmed his plan to stand again for re-election and it is up to the people of his district to return him. 

“I will still join the H.R.P.P," he said. "I have been part of the H.R.P.P. even before I became a Member of Parliament. If God wants me to continue then I will do that. It’s no use to run for election when the district says for you not to stay.”

The 61-year-old said he liked his life as a non-politician.

But he endures the challenges presented to him as Member of Parliament. 

“I was a businessman in construction and when I went to Parliament, I transferred all my shares to my children," he said.

“Although I am a businessman but I like farming. I am very passionate about agriculture.”

Lopaoo, who was appointed Minister for M.A.F. on August 31, 2017 said as a Minister he has less time to do farming.

“When I’ve had a long week, the farm is a relaxing place for me where I can just sit under a tree and thank God for His providence. 

“The cocoa is my life because my family has always been cocoa farmers that’s why I like it. You can take the boy out of the village but not the village out of the boy.  

“Now I’m looking after agriculture and fisheries sector, I go out to investigate and to see for myself what’s going on in those farms. The challenge is there and I enjoy the challenge.” 

Lopao'o said he will retire from politics when the people refuse to vote him back to Parliament.