By Martha Taumata Faavae
The last time Fuatimau Maumea Leniu raised his hand as a candidate for the Vaimauga East parliament seat, he went only as far as the Mulinu’u Court House.
The retired civil engineer based in the United States did not meet the 3-year residency period to be eligible as a candidate for the 2016 general elections.
But he is back to take up the challenge again with the support of his home base village of Lauli’i and as a candidate for the ruling HRPP party.
A four-man contest is shaping up in the constituency’s election race with Fuatimau forced to run against a second candidate from his home village.
A former Cabinet Minister and the current sitting MP are the other two.
“Even with three others in the race I am quietly confident in my faith in God,” the Lauli’i village candidate told Newsline Samoa as he lined up to register at the HRPP Mulinu’u party headquarters last Tuesday.
Fuatimau does not want to highlight his campaign issues, which he believes, are about the same as all the other candidates, but if there are to be any changes they have to be on governing principles and strategies.
The father of four is currently the Chairman of the Samoa Water Authority Board of Directors and runs a private family business.
His children are based in the US where his wife is currently stuck under the travel ban while visiting.
Fuatimau is hopeful he can continue the family political legacy his grandfather, uncles and father started.
Former Cabinet Minister Leniu Tofaeono Avamagalo is his father.
The Vaimauga East constituency is an HRPP stronghold and is made up of 5 villages, Lauli’i, Fagali’i, Letogo, Vailele and Vailele-uta.
The current sitting member is Sulamanaia Fetaia’i Tuivasa who is a first term parliamentarian for the HRPP.