The Human Rights Protection Party have announced two candidates for the upcoming by-elections.
Financial and economic specialist Tu’uu Amaramo Sialaoa who has held various CEO positions in his career will run against veteran MP Tu’uu Anasii Leota for the Siumu seat.
Tu’uu Amaramo had placed second behind Tu’uu Anasii at the April 2021 general elections and will look to once again vie for the opportunity to represent his constituency before this parliamentary term is over.
Samoa’s former Director General of Health, fetalaiga ia Leausa Dr Take Naseri will take on Georgie Pizza’s Ma’uu Siaosi Puepuemai for Vaa-o-Fonoti.
In an interview after the announcement, Leausa said he was honored for the recognition by the party to endorse him as a candidate.
Leausa said the decision to run an election is never one to be taken lightly and it was important to do it while one is still in good health and able to take up the responsibilities that come with the role.
In response to questions from local media Leausa said there are many issues and development areas that can be improved for the constituency and people of Vaa-o-Fonoti.
“I have gained insight and experience over the years that I can bring to the role and I am very humbled by this opportunity,” said Dr Naseri.
A third HRPP hopeful candidate for the Faleata 4 seat has opted to run as an Independent. Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ulu Bismarck Crawley of Puipaa will run against Ale Vena Ale of Toamua. Ulu had resigned as CEO to run for HRPP at the 2021 general elections and came in a close second to Ale.
The by-elections have been triggered by the decision of three former HRPP Members of Parliament to resign from the opposition party, stating issues with the party’s long serving leader as reasons for departing.
The Office of the Electoral Commissioner has been focused on updating of electoral rolls in the past few weeks and have not yet announced a date for the by-elections.
