It is confirmed that Samoa’s former Deputy Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataafa will return to Parliament in 2021.
Fiamē’s constituency of Lotofaga was one of three unopposed seats when registrations closed at midday Friday 23 October 2020.
The other two seats are Faleata No.3 (Vaitele area) currently held by Associate Minister of MCIT Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, and Sagaga No.1 (Faleula area) held by Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio.
It is understood, however, that legal challenges have been filed by potential FAST candidates, alleging the government representatives for Vaitele and Faleula had refused to sign oaths in support of their applications.
Fiame resigned as a member of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Saielele Malielegaoi’s Cabinet last month on September 11; taking a stance against three controversial Bills currently before Parliament.
“It is my wish to make a meaningful contribution when the 3 Bills are debated in Parliament for the final third readings..”
Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi will face two opponents for the April 2021 general elections, after being unopposed in 2011 and 2016.
Tuulā Kiliri Lafi Tuitui from Saleapaga and Faletagoai Tausaga from Aufaga, will contest the seat of Lepa, held by Tuilaepa since 1980.
(5)
