By Martha Taumata Faavae
General elections history was made in Savaii during the week just ended with the registration of running candidates for the first time ever.
Outspoken Salega MP Olo Fiti Vaai was loud in his praises as one of the candidates seeking re-election from the big island for the Electoral Constituency of Salega.
His relief at having to register from home sounded more like an opposition member who has seen and accepted the Government light for the first time.
“Registration in Upolu is expensive for us from Savai’i, we as election candidates have to meet all the expenses for our traveling group of nominators and supporters for the registration in Apia,” MP Olo gratefully sang.
“For us on the island we have only to jump in a car and rush home to pick up whatever you forgot and be back to register, unlike being away in Upolu.”
MP Olo registered alongside candidates from the Government HRPP party and other political groupings in Savaii who signed up over the three days of registrations from Tuesday to Thursday.
A Tautua Samoa party candidate, Su’a Ms Vivian Suatele, had nice things to say as well at being spared the longstanding ordeal of traveling to Apia.
“Credit the Government electoral policy change for the relief we in Savaii can now enjoy,” Su’a acknowledge.
“They have lived up to the promise of ‘What is good for Upolu is goof for Savaii too.”
The Minister of Finance, Sili Epa, joined in as a Savai’i Parliamentarian to add his feel good reactions as well to the others.
A steady stream of sitting Members of Parliament joined a large turnout of newcomers and their supporters to register as candidates from Savai’i.
More than 20 staff members from the Office of the Electoral Commissioner made the trip from Apia for the three days of registration at the Don Bosco Hall at Salelologa.
The Electoral Commissioner himself, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio led the working party.
“We’ve already set out our overall general elections programme and we have to carry that through right up to the polling and the end of the General Elections,” Faimalomatumua forecast. (see other story)
The OEC working staff were back in Apia last Friday for the start of the candidates registrations for Upolu.
The deadline for nomination and registration of all candidates is set for this coming Friday 23 October 2020.
