By Martha Taumata Faavae
Chairman of the National Council of Churches (NCC), Rev. Kasiano Leaupepe, is feeling very uncertain at the mix of clean and dirty politics worsening with the general elections only days away.
Rev. Leaupepe has been keeping close watch on the elections build-up by political parties and his major concern is the deterioration in cultural respect and loss of decency.
His worry is how the political decay has become widespread inside and outside Samoa at the same time.
“The NCC is not into politics but it is very sad to see the boundaries of dignity and civility overcome by insolence and mockery of elected leaders,” Rev. Leaupepe reacted in distress.
“This is the first election in my long experience where there is so much bad air and the blame is entirely on how the minds of the voting public are being poisoned by party politics.
“My advice to all the political parties is to stop the lies and dirty politics from inciting the voters.”
Political misinformation and the deliberate misleading of voters by unrealistic promises is a safety issue for Rev. Leaupepe, anxious about the risks of election violence.
He has berated the worth of election campaigning if it will undo peace and harmony inside the country.
The NCC Chairman reminded of the Christian teachings in the bible that warns against false prophets and spreading lies about your fellow man.
“What the political parties have forgotten is that all Governments are decided by God.
“Samoa is also not only a small country but has close family connections and a strong culture of respect that is the foundation of stability we all enjoy and benefit from.”
Rev. Leaupepe is concerned at the breakdown of respect for the chiefs and orators by the young political generation.
Seeing the influence of churches being dragged into politics is another serious issue that the NCC leader believes is new in the lead up to the upcoming general election.
“Samoa is a country with cultural rules that are already in place that must be respected.
“Samoa cannot be compared to other countries and how they live, we have our own way of life and culture special to us.”
The NCC represents all the major religious denominations in Samoa and it is normally the link between the religious body and the Government.
Rev. Leaupepe is calling for national prayers as the answer the country needs for a safe and peace general election outcome.