The new party of Government, Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.), has called for an end to social media “hate|, saying the national online conversation has gone overboard. 

In an online statement F.A.S.T., whose official party colours are red, say they could just as easily be the blue of their political rivals in the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.)

“It doesn't really matter! What matters is you!,” the party said in a post on the Twitter platform.

“There’s too much hate online between our People. It’s time we move forward together for a better and brighter Samoa!”

The internet was central to F.A.S.T.’s successful election campaign and they say they are going to keep up online communication having won Government. The party is currently updating its official website to show which of its elected Members of Parliament have responsibility for which portfolio. 

Party members used various crowdfunding sites to raise money for their election campaigns and the party and its candidates had a highly visible online presence during the election campaign. 

The F.A.S.T. party also made regular use of the live video function on the social media website directing their message to voters without an intermediary. 

The party was on Friday, celebrating the anniversary of one year since its foundation by La’auli Leuatea Schmidt on 30 July, the year prior.

“One year today! Many laughed, many doubted saying that F.A.S.T. will never win. We just kept working hard and.... here we are!,” the party stated on Friday. 

“As we start this new journey into Government it’s the same criticism from the same group of people. 

“We will continue to work hard for our people and to implement every single part of our manifesto because it’s important to the change that we seek to bring. Watch this space.”

La’auli, a former H.R.P.P. Minister and Speaker who went on to become the party’s co-founder and currently serves as its deputy leader has also been appointed Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.