Candidate Wants Constituency to be Represented by a Full Time Savaii Resident

May 13, 2022

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A by-election candidate for the Savaii seat of Gagaifomauga 2 has said his motivation to run is because he would like to see his constituency represented by a full-time resident of Savaii.

“Most MPs who have represented us in the past, have lived in Upolu”.

Speaking to the media after the Human Rights Protection Party’s official announcement of candidates yesterday morning, Sooalo Fineaso Poka Sooalo, said the reason why he has decided to run in the upcoming by-election, was because Members of Parliament who have represented his constituency in the past, have mostly been permanent residents of Upolu.

“As a resident of Samauga, I am putting my hand up to run, and my village has also endorsed and given their blessing,” said Sooalo.

A long serving talking chief of the Samauga village (faiupu o le nuu), 63-year-old Sooalo Fineaso Poka is a retired educationalist. He served with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) for 18 years. Sooalo Fineaso Poka was a teacher from 1980 to 1994, and then continued within MESC from 1994 to 1998.

Sooalo Fineaso Poka was one of two Samauga matai, announced by HRPP’s Deputy Leader as endorsed party candidates for the June 3rd by-election. Deputy Leader Fonotoe Luafesili Pierre Lauofo told media that HRPP will throw their support behind both candidates; “Sooalo Poka and Sooalo Mene”.

Sooalo Umi Feo Mene was first elected to Parliament as an independent in the 2011 general election and was appointed Associate Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour after joining the HRPP. He was re-elected in the 2016 election and appointed Associate Minister of Revenue. Sooalo Mene was then later moved to Associate Minister of Justice. In the 2021 April 9th general election, Sooalo Mene lost his seat to the late Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini Paiaaua.

While HRPP will field two matai from Samauga, the ruling Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) politicial party, have been asked to endorse two matai from Safune.

The village of Safune had come to the FAST headquarters this week, wanting to have both Falesaopule Vaialia Iosua and Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Safuneituuga Siaaga endorsed as FAST cadidates. They were presented to FAST party Chairman, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt.

Laaulialemalietoa has told SGN that he has advised the village that it is best to show their loyalty to the party by supporting one candidate. The FAST party has yet to make an official announcement regarding candidacy for the by-election. Radio Polynesia has reported that FAST have endorsed Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Safuneituuga Siaaga.

Nominations close at 12 midday today, Friday 13th May for the by-election that would confirm a 54th Member of Samoa’s Parliament, currently in its 17th session.