The latest Court decision on the Vaimauga 3 by-election petitions is yet another step in Samoa’s growth as a democracy.
An expensive but necessary step.
It exposes the electoral corruption that has defined the last 6 years of our nation’s history.
In our 64 years of independence, we have experienced the sacrifice of nation birth, the exhilaration of freedom, the pain of economic ruin, the recognition as a global player, and now the despair of blatant corruption and greed.
There are cycles in nation building that every state goes through.
The resilience of its people and strength of institutions determines how a nation responds to the highs and lows.
Samoa has always returned stronger after the dark passages in its history.
These Court cases have again exposed the weak underbelly of our democracy.
With each case, our people can see the greed and evil that drives the corrupt practices in our elections.
By upholding laws that were passed to counter electoral corruption, the Courts are defending the principles of accountability and transparency.
By-elections are the price we must pay in the fight for the soul and integrity of the State.
This is how nations grow to be respected and trusted.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP