Samoa’s first woman Prime Minister, Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa has congratulated Laaulialemalietoa for winning the recent general elections.
“I congratulate the Prime Minister elect – Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi. I pray for wisdom and courage upon you to carry the mantle of leadership with dedication and integrity.”
Fiame congratulated the winning Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party who won 31 of the 51 Parliament seats after the final count last Thursday.
The former Prime Minister also acknowledged the leader of HRPP and all other political parties’ leaders “for their contribution to ensuring the peaceful and robust general elections.”
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the voters who turned out to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
“Your voices matter, and the choices you made in electing your representatives in Parliament over the next five years, will hopefully deliver to your expectations for a better Samoa.”
Fiame gave a special thank you to the Electoral Commissioner and his dedicated team of officials for their tireless efforts in ensuring a free, fair and transparent electoral process.
“Your commitment to upholding the integrity of our democracy in every way possible deserves our recognition.”
“To the Electoral officials, police and all observers who participated in the elections, thank you all. Your roles were imperative to safeguarding the Electoral process, and maintaining order during this significant time of our country’s history.”
“May you make good in any lessons learnt from the conduct of the elections.”
The Sa’o Faapito thanked Samoa for standing together with the Government for the past four years of her administration.
“As Prime Minister, I have whole heartedly committed to lead the government in accordance with requirements of the law and policies – governing operations in a fair and equitable manner.”
“At the regional and international arenas, I have ensured that our voice as an independent country, was amplified with the collective voice of the Blue Pacific family on issues crucial for regional unity and solidarity to promote our priorities.”
“That resonated with the feedback from the leaders around the globe on our consistent advocacy of our climate goals and stewardship of our ocean and protection of our biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.”
Fiame acknowledged and thanked her Cabinet colleagues who had served the XVII Parliamentary term.
“Thank you for your service to the country.”
In closing Fiame acknowledged with appreciation the support of her constituency of 40 years, Lotofaga.
“We have come a long way and stood together over these many years. Thank you for your prayers, your counsel and ready support during the 40 years I have been your Member of Parliament and your continued for the next 5 years.”
