Twenty eight more candidates have signed up with the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) for next year's General Election, bringing the total of new candidates to 40. More candidates are expected to sign up.

The political party opened its doors to nominees from all constituencies since Tuesday. Wednesday alone brought in 28 nominees. The candidates, new and old, were accompanied by their supporters. The first day saw 12 candidates signed up.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi said only two women have registered so far.

He added that some constituencies nominated two or three individuals. 

"As already known, this political party does not find it hard to look for candidates, especially when it comes to good candidates," said Tuilaepa.

Asked about the vetting process for candidates, given the fact some of them have an unpleasant past, Tuilaepa said the circumstances are different. Such a candidate, he said, may have a different take in their specialised roles from the roles they may take up if they get into Parliament.

Tuilaepa said they often advise to the constituencies to nominate only one or two.

"But some argue that they want more nominees," he said.

This is why the H.R.P.P. has stopped trying to have a limit on how many candidates they are allowed to bring in, Tuilaepa added. 

The Prime Minister said it is left up to the free will of the individual. He noted that among the registered are a few officials who are currently heads of Government Ministries. Tuilaepa said they would have to resign from their posts.

"We all did this when we thought about running in Parliament," he said. 

"Even before my time I thought about the possibility of not being successful and being unable to return to my career, I thought about starting something for myself, but I came through and never looked back."

"That is same advice to all those who come into Parliament, especially those who become Ministers, to leave their businesses. Their hundred percent is needed, especially with the large salaries they get.

"You cannot serve two masters and cannot worship two Gods. You will end up putting one before the other."