Let’s see. In Samoa today, we didn’t really need a front-page headline to remind us about the obvious. 

Of course no one in their right mind would even consider the possibility of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) losing the next General Election.

To be quite frank, that’s impossible. Indeed, the way things are looking at the moment, the H.R.P.P. could rule in this lifetime, the next and the one after - if there is such a thing.

What could possibly go wrong, especially with all the laws that have been designed by the Government and passed by the Parliament, to keep them there?

Besides, with a party full of "laui'a" that has ruled for more than 37 years, what could possibly go wrong. Unless something drastic happens, they will continue to be in power for as long as they like.

It’s foolhardy therefore to even think for a split second they could lose.

Which is why the prediction by a senior Cabinet Minister that the H.R.P.P. will win the next General Election should win this year’s award for stating the most obvious.

But then again, sometimes it’s good to be reminded of the impossible. 

When we talk about the impossible, the worst thing is that it could actually happen and in politics, that’s the name of the game.

Is the H.R.P.P strong? Absolutely. Can they continue to rule? Yes. But are they invincible? No.  

Which means the impossible could actually become possible. It’s not a question of whether it will happen; it’s only a question of when and how it will happen.

Now according to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.), Lopao'o Natanielu Mu’a, that’s definitely not happening in 2021.

 “I have a lot of confidence in the Human Rights Protection Party that they’ll win again,” he said.

 “The H.R.P.P. is doing a very good work, it’s hard work.”

The Cabinet Minister added that politics is “everybody’s game,” and the people have the right to choose which Government they want.

 “God and the people see what the H.R.P.P. is doing and it’s up to them," he said.  “So if they decide that the H.R.P.P. is doing something good, I’m sure they’ll want us back but the choice is theirs.

 “We are in a free democratic country. If the other parties come up with good policies and mandates and the country likes it... but I’m very confident with H.R.P.P.”

The Minister couldn’t have said it better. And yes we cannot deny the fact that the H.R.P.P. and its leadership have done so much to bring Samoa to where we are today.  Close to 40 years in power is no small feat and that takes courage, vision, boldness and hard work.

Something other political parties will have to try to replicate, if they are ever going to come anywhere near what the H.R.P.P. has done. Speaking of other parties, there are now three of them: Tautua, Samoa First Political Party and the recently launched Samoa Democratic United Party.

It’s probably too early in the piece to judge what they bring to the table. But then to be honest, they haven’t brought anything yet. 

As far as policies go and how you want voters to think in terms of party strategies, we’ve seen very little.

And with the next General Election technically just over a year away, they should get cracking. But even if they somehow manage to put together a very convincing campaign, they will face an uphill battle against the present H.R.P.P. regime. It’s a massive ask.

So is it possible for the impossible to happen? When and how?

If our opinion were sought, we would say yes it is possible. The questions of when and how are not going to be determined by the strength of the opposing political parties. That is not going to happen in Samoa overnight, it’s going to take a long, long time.

The only threat to the H.R.P.P. at the moment is itself. The question is how long can the party continue to gather power, consolidate its power base before they run the risk of self-destruction.

Some analysts say that is already beginning to happen with tensions within the party becoming quite noticeable. Let's wait and see.

And what will the H.R.P.P. ever do without Prime Minister Tuilaepa? 

Perhaps that will be the key to unlocking the answer to the question of how. 

What do you think? Write and share your thoughts with us.

Have a fabulous Friday Samoa, God bless!