F.A.S.T. hears electoral boundary complaints

By Soli Wilson 17 January 2021, 5:00PM

The Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party on Saturday heard complaints that recent revisions of electoral boundaries were imbalance when the latest installment of its roadshow visited the constituency of Faleata 1. 

The party was warmly embraced by constituents. From the outset, Fuiavailiili Selesele Iliili from Lepea advised F.A.S.T. leader, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, to ignore recent statements calling him a liar and other epithets. 

He said to pay the man no mind as he has grown "old" and his "old lies" should no longer be paid attention.

The new political party's roadshow is on its second week in Upolu, having gathered a collective of thousands of listeners in total, so far.

Around 100 attendees joined in anticipation to listen to the party's long term goals for the nation as well as show support for their local F.A.S.T candidate, Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale.

Another attendee, Felise Tupea, advised the party to limit their candidates per constituency to one candidate each to ensure a win.

"As [some advice], I'd prefer just one candidate to run while the other two sit back to carry the chosen candidate forward," he said.

"And Manuleleua, your win is a sure one, you will sit on that seat. As we all know, you have done your service in both the village and church.”

Mr. Tupea also expressed his concerns about new electoral boundary divisions, pointing out that Vaimoso should have its own Member of Parliament. 

Vaimosos, he argues, is a lot bigger, in comparison to the Faleata 3 seat "where only about ten families are choosing the candidate."

In response, La’auli said Mr. Tupea had a point, saying the committee responsible for the report on the revision of electoral boundaries did their "own" divisions rather than an objective review.

Vaimoso resident, Tavu'i Vainuupo Tupua voiced his full support for the F.A.S.T. party and echoed Mr. Tupea’s sentiments saying the electoral boundaries of Faleata need to be reviewed and "corrected".

Mr. Tupua said Samoa is in dire need of a change in Government, particularly at the top of the country’s leadership. He said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has been speaking out of line for way too long. 

"Manuleleua, be brave [...] I can vouch for your win in the coming election; we already want this stinky Government to fall," he said.

"They have been disrespectful, the Prime Minister acts like the whole of Samoa are his kids, speaking down to the nation, we are tired of it."

Many of the other attendees thanked the F.A.S.T. party for speaking out regarding the Government's corrupted practices and making a stand against the force of the P.M., Tuilaepa. 

The roadshow will continue in the coming week until all constituencies of Upolu are covered before the party moves onto Savaii next month.






By Soli Wilson 17 January 2021, 5:00PM
Samoa Observer

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