The Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) Chairman says supporters and the nation should "not be misled" by media coverage of a Commission of Inquiry's findings of the 2021 General Election.

Speaking during the Soalepule programme, which was live-streamed on the E.F.K.S. TV2 on Wednesday night, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt said that at this stage the contents of the report are only "recommendations". 

He asked the public and party supporters to be patient and allow the report to go through the proper process and made reference to a story published by the Samoa Observer earlier this week on the voting rights of overseas-based Samoans. 

The recommendation that came out of the COI report was not in line with what the ruling party promised their supporters in their pre-election campaign and manifesto prior to the 2021 polling. 

At that time the leadership of the FAST announced that they would allow the diaspora to vote from wherever they reside during a general election in Samoa if the party formed the government. 

La'auli then reaffirmed the party's position on the issue and said that they will deliver whatever promises they made in their party manifesto. 

He also criticised the Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for discussing the report and its recommendations when it had not been deliberated on in Parliament. 

The report of the COI, which was appointed by the Cabinet, was tabled in Parliament in June this year and is currently before the Standing Orders Parliamentary Committee for review before they make a submission to Parliament for deliberation. 

La'auli said while he respects the members of the COI who compiled the report following the 2021 General Elections, he said the contents of its report are not final. 

He said the Legislative Assembly has the final say, claiming that the coverage of the report has caused confusion amongst the public, and prompted supporters to question the ruling party on the promises they made during the election. 

Turning to Tuilaepa, La'auli said it was disappointing to see that he is the one exposing and starting the discussions on the report when it has not been finalised or deliberated in parliament. 

"That was one of the things that irked him during his time in office," La'auli said. "It was when the local newspaper (Samoa Observer) started reporting on the contents of reports that have not been finalised or deliberated in Parliament. 

"He used to criticise the paper for it and spoke against the publication of any report before it is tabled and deliberated in Parliament. But it seems like he is the one starting the conversations and discussions of the report. 

"It's like that saying, do as I say not as I do. He was so vocal against the paper but is now constantly writing and publishing letters with the same newspaper (Samoa Observer)."

La'auli then appealed to the public to be calm and patient and allow for the due process to be completed, in relation to the findings of the COI and its report with its recommendations.