The resignation of the former Siumu M.P. from his political party has prompted calls from his opponent for the district to choose someone trustworthy during the by-election.

The Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) endorsed candidate for the Siumu by-election, Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa will run against the former M.P. Tu’u’u Anasi’I Leota. 

Tu'u'u resigned from the former ruling party to become an independent M.P. after its leader was found guilty of contempt of court. He was of the view at that time that the H.R.P.P. had moved away from the party's core values. 

Speaking during an interview with the Samoa Observer, Tu’u’u said his district needs a representative who is committed to carrying out his duties honestly and attending village council meetings. He said this is the observation he has made since the 2011 General Election. 

A former public servant for more than 30 years, he emphasised the importance of representatives having a strong relationship with their electorates. The role of an M.P. to inform his or her district of crucial policies was also highlighted, as Tu’u’u said it would affect their livelihoods, and being present in meetings allows for constructive dialogues about such policies. 

The former M.P. said representatives should be able to meet and discuss policies with their electorates on a daily basis, not turn their back on the district once they won and entered public office. 

The current sitting in the House shows the ruling Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) has a majority of 32 seats with the H.R.P.P. members occupying 18 seats. 

Even if the H.R.P.P. wins back the Siumu seat, it will not change the Government of the day, but Tu’u’u believes it will make the Opposition party stronger. 

The candidate stressed the need for a strong Opposition bench in the Legislative Assembly so it can support the Government of the day. 

“I believe that a strong opposition is good for any democratic nation,” he said. “It is true that Fiame and the F.A.S.T. party have come out as the Government of the day and I believe our role to support them as the opposition is important for transparency, accountability and to fight corruption.” 

This is not the first time that Tu’u’u has run for a seat in an election. As a strong supporter of the H.R.P.P., he is looking to the future, which involves the party’s development and preparations for the 2026 polls. He contested the 2021 General Election but was unsuccessful. 

He said he is glad at the second opportunity to go up against his rival once again, and should he come through, he hopes to continue his service to his district and the country. 

Some of the pressing issues that Tu’u’u noted is that he wants to push for expediting the SAT$1 million grant for Siumu. He also wants to look into land issues, particularly land that was exchanged with the Government. 

He explained these lands need to be properly distributed in the district, especially amongst those who have not received land in the past. 

Speaking about seasonal workers, the candidate said if 100 youth from his district can be employed under the scheme, it would no doubt contribute to the development of their families. The continuation of road works in the district is also on the agenda for the candidate. 

Tu’u’u has worked in various Government entities as Chairman of the Board of Directors and the private sector, taking on leadership roles for more than 30 years. 

He was the first Samoan to be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Bank of Samoa (N.B.S.) and held the position until he decided to run in the 2021 General Election.

He is now involved in consultancy work.