The ruling party has warned some of its supporters against spreading false claims their party will endorse independent candidates to get them to join the Government if they win in the by-elections.  

Chairman of the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt made it clear the caucus has already resolved not to endorse independent candidates even if they win. 

Speaking in the Soalepule programme on EFKS TV, La’auli noted the party leader and Prime Minister have already spoken about independent candidates and the party’s position on the individuals. 

He said he has been made aware of some of their own party supporters misleading voters leading up to Friday’s by-elections, saying the party will back winning independent members. 

The F.A.S.T. Chairman said he wanted to set the record straight that there are only three candidates endorsed by the party from the three constituencies. 

“I have received words yesterday there are F.A.S.T. supporters that are telling voters not to worry about what La’auli and the Prime Minister about not supporting the independents,” said La’auli. “What the Prime Minister and I stand for is no different from what the party’s position at the conclusion of the by-elections. 

“The caucus met on Wednesday and made this matter clear that any independent that wins and used the name of the party [for their campaign] the party has resolved that it will not accept them even if they win.”

The F.A.S.T. Chairman also said those spreading these false claims are F.A.S.T. supporters and they are being warned that there are consequences for their actions. 

The party has made it clear that the only candidates that have the party's backing are Ale Vena Ale for Faleata No. 4, Tuu’u Anasii Leota for Siumu and Mau’u Siaosi Puepuemai for the Vaa o Fonoti constituency seat. 

The two independents contesting this Friday’s by-elections are Ulu Bismarck Crawley (Faleata No. 4) and Faalogo Kapeli Faalogo (Siumu). 

The Human Rights Protection Party's endorsed candidates for the by-elections are Leausa Dr. Take Naseri (Vaa o Fonoti) and Tuu’u Amaramo Sialaoa (Siumu). 

The newly established Constitution Democratic Republic Party (C.D.R.P.) has endorsed Feutagaiimealelei Osovale Brown for the Vaa o Fonoti constituency seat.