By Staff Writer
The Tautua Samoa Party has welcomed the call of new general elections but remains wary of dirty politics tactics’ by the two main political parties.
The party admitted in a statement released today, it was a struggle for them in the first general elections, but it was because they abided by the law.
“The results of the General Election on April 9th last month were a disappointment for Tautua Samoa for a number of reasons,” the party statement declared.
“But the most important reason for our disappointment was the defeat we suffered despite abiding by the law in order to ensure free and fair elections are held. This was sadly not the case.”
The statement believed that after the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, declared the April General Elections void, Samoa “has been given a new chance to once again head to the polls and vote in what should be FREE and FAIR elections for all.”
“Tautua Party cannot with confidence say that we believe the April elections as a whole were held freely and fairly, without misconduct.
“That is to say simply, we have evidence that suggests votes were bought in a number of districts with parties committing serious crimes punishable by law. “While these are heavy allegations, Tautua Party and your humble Candidates understand the political landscape and nature of politics which can place heavy burdens on Candidates of all Parties to win at all costs.
“For that, we have sympathy.”
Tautua Samoa stressed heavily “….the importance of your decision – the importance of your vote: the opportunity to have your VOICE be heard.”
“In less than a year, we have seen our country divided by two powerful Parties who refuse to collaborate and work together for the betterment of Samoa.
“ Our question for our people is this:
Are these the people we want leading our Government for the next five years?
“If Tautua Samoa’s legacy is to be one of defeat, then let it be remembered that over the last thirteen years, Tautua Samoa has lost with the same ethics it has also won by, and that is by refusing to be bullied into playing dirty political tactics which appear to be the norm.
“Tautua Samoa Party will always be for Samoa, regardless of the Government of the day.
“Supporting its people in whatever ways we can, behind the scenes if need be, to ensure that the Leaders of tomorrow carry out their duties honourably, with integrity, and guided by God.
