Last week, in the Safata#1 and Vaisigano #2 by-elections, we again witnessed the blatant disregard for the integrity of Samoa’s election process as the FAST Party crossed the line between campaign promises and bribery.
In both constituencies, voter attention was completely on the offer by Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa to pay out millions of tala in government funds to all districts of Samoa within 24 hours after the by-elections. There was barely any FAST campaign promises or messages focused on community and national development.
The timing of La’aulialemalietoa’s announcement amounts to outright bribery as the two HRPP candidates had no chance of contesting against such a FAST government payout. This form of bribery is now being normalized as we saw hundreds of voters rush to collect their $150 tala payment.
Disrespecting the law is becoming business as usual in Samoa.
It is because the Prime Minister has become increasingly dismissive of the rule of law, even as he faces a number of serious criminal charges before the Courts.
Let us not forget that La’aulialemalietoa’s refusal to let justice run its course led to the fall of the FAST government of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. That has emboldened him even more and serves as a clear signal to the nation of how he views the course of justice and the rule of law.
As these events unfold, the few HRPP Members of Parliament in the current term stand strong in our conviction to uphold the rule of law and the nation’s values for which Samoa has long been respected.
We have the moral courage to stand up against the tyranny of those who think they are above the law and believe that money can buy justice and respect.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP