Despite the recent court cases against Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi leader Laauli, with one decision still pending and other more serious cases yet to be heard, he continues to travel from district to district with his supporters, spreading one lie after another.
They even ride openly on government-owned buses that were taken over by Laauli’s family business, as if there is nothing wrong with it.
None of his FAST candidates speak up or distance themselves from his actions, proving the truth of the famous saying that “birds of a feather flock together.”
When the Human Rights Protection Party visits each district, we speak openly, pointing to these actions as clear evidence of the character of those seeking to lead.
Our communities can see for themselves the kind of leadership FAST represents.
The latest promise from Laauli himself is that he would make the Head of State a lifetime appointment.
This statement shows, once again, his ignorance of Samoa’s constitutional history.
The Constitution, approved by Samoa’s leaders at the 1960 Convention, provided for only the first two Co-Heads of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II and Tupua Tamasese Meaole, to hold the position for life.
Every appointment after them is for a five-year term, chosen by Parliament, with the only qualifications being the same as those required to stand for a Parliamentary seat.
The only change introduced by the HRPP was to limit any Head of State to a maximum of two terms of five years each.
Samoa is not lacking in capable leaders, and under the Constitution, only Parliament, by a two-thirds majority, can amend these provisions.
As usual, Laauli made this promise as if he alone had the power to make it happen.
These are the actions and promises of a dictator who does not respect the laws or institutions of a nation.
HRPP’s visits to every district has been welcomed by the people as it allows us to expose and correct the destructive lies and disinformation spread by Laauli and his flock of followers.
The HRPP is committed to one clear and unwavering purpose!
We will return Samoa to the peace, stability, and accountable leadership our people enjoyed under our administration.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP