By Staff Writer
HRPP by-election candidates, Tuu’u Sialaoa ( Siumu) far left and Dr. Take Naseri (Va’a o Fonoti) on the far right .
(left) Former HRPP election candidate, Ulu Bismarc Crawley, running as an independent in the Faleata 4 by-election
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A new twist is added to the ongoing saga of the 3 former HRPP Members of Parliament who are running as by-election candidates for the FAST Government party, after a failed attempt to stay on in Parliament as independent MPs.
This time the opposition Human Right Protection Party,
HRPP, will contest only 2 of the 3 seats vacant seats for the electoral constituencies of Siumu, Faleata 4 and Va’a o Fonoti.
HRPP leader and former PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi surprised supporters at the Petesa headquarters today when he revealed that the party’s 3rd candidate will officially run as an independent.
“Ulu Bismarc Crawley, who ran for the Faleata 4 constituency in the 2021 general elections as an HRPP candidate has decided to run as an independent,” Tuilaepa announced.
“This is the wish of his village electorate at Puipa’a and also others in the constituency and we have decided to respect his wishes and will also not be contesting the seat,” Tuilaepa added.
Ulu will challenge once again for the seat he lost to incumbent Ale Vena Ale who forfeited his seat when he left the HRPP.
The flag bearer for the opposition party in the Siumu constituency by-election is Tuu’u Amaramo Sialaoa.
He was unsuccessful in the 2021 general elections in his first attempt to win the seat away from former HRPP veteran and sitting MP at the time, Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota.
Newcomer to the political scene and former Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, is making a bid for the Va’a o Fonoti seat against previous holder Mau’u Siaosi Puepuemai.
Leausa and Tuu’u were both present at party headquarters this morning for the official announcement of their candidacy.
An official date for the by-elections is yet to be scheduled.