PM WELCOMES ELECTION CHALLENGE
By Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
Incumbent MP and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is receptive to the entry of two election candidates to vie for the Lepa Electoral Constituency seat with him when Samoa goes to poll next April.
Why?
“Because it’s a vindication for me,” replied the Prime Minister. “It lays to rest the critic’s hallucinations that I have been flexing my political muscle to prevent election candidates from entering Parliament to represent Lepa.”
“Secondly,” he continued. “And this is paramount to me as Prime Minister, it’s a reinstatement that Samoa’s electoral democracy process is accountable, transparent vibrant and very much alive.”
The survivor of 10 General Elections and one bi-election since he entered Parliament in 1981, Tuilaepa says that he did not attend the Lepa’s Electoral Constituency meeting some months back because he did not to discourage the freedom of choice and opinions by the matais.
And he was later informed that Lepa had voted for his return unopposed to continue as their MP.
However after the registration of candidates closed with two candidates vying for seat, he was not moved or disappointed but appreciative that the democracy has prevailed.
“It’s not the first time that Lepa has endorsed me to run unopposed and it’s not the first time that I have had to compete with other candidates and I welcome the challenge,” said Tuilaepa.
At the end of the day, the Prime Minister remains confident that his services rendered to Lepa for the last 49 consecutive years as their voice in Parliament will prevail. “I am a stalwart when it comes to services rendered for the benefit of Lepa and the entire country,” elaborated Tuilaepa.
Political observers and government critics are forecasting a change in political tides after April based on a visible and vocal line up of candidates opposing Government.
But in the eyes of Samoa’s longest serving Prime Minister, it is the season for election camouflage which is a replay of past General Elections to remove the Government at all costs even if it means resorting to empty promises which will require divine intervention to become a reality.
He is confident that the HRPP will perform exceptionally well.
“The critics will always ridicule and downplay the benefits enjoyed by the country today compared to where Samoa was before the HRPP came into power but that’s what to be expected in this ruthless game of politics.
“E pito I sili ona leo tele galuega ua tino mai.”
