The unfolding events surrounding election petitions reflects the sad state of affairs in our country.
We are all aware of the widely reported allegations of open bribery to buy votes by the winning candidates in our recent General Elections.
Court actions filed against some of the candidates have now been withdrawn.
Why?
The power of the elders of certain influential religious and district councils of chiefs have combined to bring pressure against the litigants and witnesses to withdraw cases in order to “keep the peace” in the districts or else they would be punished.
Again, monetary bribes are alleged to be involved.
We all know that these corrupt practices by our leaders is the realization of the principle that without checks and balances, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The Samoa election process is broken.
The abuse of our cultural processes and traditions was legalized in the 2021 elections, as part of our culture.
It left the door wide open to the widespread bribery and gifting in this year’s elections.
As a result, the pool of good leaders has completely diminished as honest candidates want no part of this corrupt process.
Meanwhile the guilty walk with impunity amongst us, enjoying their short-term riches that has come at the cost of our nation’s future.
Samoa was once held in high esteem as a champion of justice.
Our reputation and commitment to the rule of law carried our small nation all the way to a seat at the International Criminal Court.
That is now a distant memory.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP
