Persistence pays off in the end and with this mantra in mind, Lolomatauama Eseta Mataituli is running and is so far the sole female candidate endorsed by the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party for the by-elections.

The 69-year-old resigned from her teaching profession last year to contest the general election in April this year. 

But she was unsuccessful in her attempt to secure the seat in the April poll and later filed an election petition against the victor, Aiono Afaese Toleafoa, a businessman and the son of the former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. 

Aiono’s election victory was rendered void by the Supreme Court which triggered the by-election for the A'ana Alofi No. 2 seat.

Lolomatauama is contesting under the banner of the governing party and will be up against two candidates from the Opposition’s Human Rights Protection Party, Apenamoemanatunatu Tu'uau Letaulau and Aiono Tile Gafa.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Lolomatauama said that entering the world of politics was never part of her plans growing up. 

"Growing up I never thought I would ever join the world of politics. Not once did it cross my mind growing up,” she said. 

“But then over decades of my service as a teacher, it was then that I felt the need to contest the election. All I had in mind back then was to try and see if I could get in or not."

However, Lolomatauama says contesting in the election "is no walk in the park."

"It hasn't been an easy journey for me; the path I went through to where I am today has been challenging.

"It's true that I did not succeed in my first attempt but I believe that failure should not matter. “What matters most is how you get back on your feet and start running again.”

Lolomatauama said it was important that those who are in a race don’t give up and then highlighted the need for persistence and determination.

"It's okay if you don't achieve your goal the first time you try. That should not detain you from pushing and keep on keeping on,” she said.

"I truly believe that persistence pays off in the end if you don't give up too easily. I will not look back on the events of yesterday.

“I have turned my back on that but will continue to move forward and work hard for what's coming. 

"I am comforted by the fact that I have the support of my friends, families and the party. 

“Not only that but I have so many family friends praying and encouraging me on this journey.

"If it's God's will it will happen; things will fall into place."

According to Lolomatauama, she initially wanted to contest as an Independent candidate but then decided to run a Samoa National Democratic Party (S.N.D.P.) candidate in April. “However, I was approached by someone to join the F.A.S.T. party, but I was a bit reluctant,” she said. 

"Then two weeks later the party formed an alliance with F.A.S.T. and we all agreed to run under the banner of the F.A.S.T. party."

Lolomatauama said she has encountered a lot of challenges in her journey but one of the biggest hurdles she faced was the perception by the public that those who contested the election had a lot of people.

"They all thought that anyone who wishes to contest must have the wealth and money to do their campaign,” she said. 

“And I did try to deliver a message that they should not focus on what they should get from a candidate, but focus on what they can do for the constituency and for the people should they succeed.

"When I didn't win, I lost interest in teaching and decided to start a plantation and work the land. I also did not plan on contesting again.”

But then the mother-of-nine said she was inspired by a sermon by one of the preachers in the village which compelled to put her hands up to run.

"I know it's never easy and it's not an easy thing but so far God has shown his love and mercy through it all,” she said.

"I may not have the highest qualifications or the experience as a politician, but I know that if God knows that it is my time, he will make it happen."

Confident that she will win in the by-election at the end of this month, Lolomatauama said she has faith.

"Not to brag but I stand on my faith and I believe that I am the one. I will win the seat for F.A.S.T. party. "

Lolomatauama is from Fasito'o and is married to Mataituli Togo Mataituli and they have nine children.