The Chairman and Leader of the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, has confirmed that over 14 new candidates from various districts across Samoa signed up to contest under the party’s banner in the next general election.

In a recent interview with the media, La'auli shared that the party was not initially expecting such a strong wave of new candidates this early in the election cycle. 

"We didn't think that we would be opening the registrations for new candidates this early," he said. "However, these individuals approached my office expressing their interest in standing for election under the FAST banner, and we decided to welcome them."

Although La'auli confirmed that there were more than 14 new candidates, he refrained from disclosing their identities or the districts they represent, citing confidentiality.

The influx of fresh candidates has been viewed as a positive sign for the party, especially amid ongoing internal challenges. 

Despite tensions that have led to the expulsion of six members, La'auli expressed appreciation for the newcomers’ commitment to the party’s vision. 

"We can’t stop people from following their hearts, and we are grateful that despite the tensions within the party, so many still believe in what we stand for," he said. 

"The fact that these individuals have chosen to align themselves with FAST and seek to represent their respective districts is a clear indication that, despite what’s happening within the party, there is still a strong belief in our mission and goals."

La'auli then confirmed that they were welcoming anyone who wanted to contest under the FAST banner in the election next year. 

As for the party’s election campaign, La'auli emphasised that the groundwork for the strategy had already been laid out, even before the recent internal issues arose. 

"Before we focus on our planned strategies, we must first address and resolve the internal issues within the party," La'auli explained. 

"It is important for us to sort out these matters before moving forward with our campaigning efforts."

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, La'auli revealed that the FAST Party is likely to employ a similar campaign strategy to the one used during the 2021 election, which was credited with helping the party secure a significant political shift after decades of one-party dominance. 

"The strategy we used in the 2021 elections proved effective and successful, contributing to a monumental change in the government," La'auli noted. 

"As a new party formed just a year before that election, it was a major achievement for us, and we will likely follow that same approach in the 2026 elections. But for now, our focus is on resolving the internal issues within the party before we move ahead with our campaign."

With the 2026 General Election fast approaching, the FAST party’s early candidate registration and continued commitment to resolving internal matters signal their determination to build on past successes and present a united front when voters head to the polls.