By Martha Taumata Faavae
Newly elected lady MP for the Falealupo Electoral Constituency is feeling like standing at the top of the mountain after winning a seat in Parliament in last Friday’s general election.
Her first thoughts are of praise for the blessings from above on her.
“It felt like I had finally reached the top of the mountain I was climbing with this election win and to me first and foremost is to thank God,” new Falealupo MP Leota Aeau Tima Leavai told Newsline Samoa.
The new Falealupo MP ran under the HRPP banner and joined fellow party members in caucus at Sogi headquarters on Saturday morning.
Leota is a practicing private lawyer who challenged herself to continue the political legacy her father, Aeau Peniamina Leavai started.
Her father retired as one of the veteran parliamentarian at the end of the last sitting of Parliament this year and she now takes over his vacant seat.
“ I trusted the loyalty of the voters who pledged their support to me against my election rivals and I am warmed and grateful for that,” MP Leota said.
“I’ve also just learned that my home island of Savaii leaned more to the FAST but that is their own right and there is little anyone can do if that is their support lies in this election.
“I pray and hope that the political party will live up to their election promises because I believe that God decides who is better suited to lead Samoa to a life of blessings.”
MP Leota is one of four lady MPs elected from Savaii that included the Minister of Health and two other new first time women politicians.
Leader of FAST and former Deputy PM is the 5th lady MP in this new Parliament and also the only woman elected in Upolu island.
