Lupematasila Galumalemana Tologata, the Member of Parliament for Falelatai and Samatau, raised concerns in Parliament on Wednesday over the selection process for the district development chairman position, questioning how the application process was carried out.

Lupematasila questioned the process after submitting an application for the chair role and a request for clarification through the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). He also suggested that villages in the constituency should have a say in who represents them.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt responded, “If you hadn’t protested (tete’e), you would have been chairman.”

Lupematasila rejected the use of the word “protest,” saying he had instead sought clarification on the process.

He raised the issue during an exchange with the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Moefa’auouo Julius Tafunai. Moefa’auouo said the process is new and compared it to a job application. He explained that an unlimited number of applications, potentially up to 100,000, would be unmanageable, which is why the selection was limited to a shortlist of candidates who ran in the 2025 election. Lupematasila said he wanted the opportunity extended to allow broader applications.

The debate also touched on tensions between the villages and the government. Laaulialemalietoa said Falelatai and Samatau had “discriminated” against him during the 2025 election period when his party’s roadshow did not pass through the constituency.

Lupematasila suggested his exclusion from the chair role may have been influenced by the restrictions that prevented the prime minister from campaigning and holding a roadshow in Falelatai and Samatau during the election campaign.

Lupematasila rejected continuing to go back and forth over the application process, stressing that, as the MP for his constituency, he should provide leadership and keep constituents informed. Lupematasila also noted that all co-chairs selected are members of the FAST party.

The prime minister further said that five co-chairs were selected from opposition constituencies: Vaimauga 2 Lenatai Victor Tamapua (HRPP), Vaimauga 3 Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu (former HRPP), Vaimauga 4 Lima Grame Tualaulelei (HRPP), Safata 2 Tuia Fuatogi Letoa (HRPP), and Faasaleleaga 3 Namulaulu Sami Leota (HRPP).

Teleiai Christian Ausage, an unsuccessful candidate who ran under the FAST banner, is currently chairman for the Falelatai and Samatau constituency. Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo said Parliament would take note of those interested in chairmanship positions.

The parliamentary session continued from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) building, where Parliament is temporarily being held.