Constituencies do not miss out on government benefits if their member of parliament does not align with the ruling party said former Minister of Finance, who is now running as an independent candidate for Vaimauga No. 3, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai.

He said such a notion is “weak, baseless and unproven.”

In an online interview, Lautimuia said, “The claim that if a member of parliament joins the opposition or stays independent, their constituency will not receive benefits, is baseless and unproven. It is a very weak argument.”

“My statement is based on this: any government that takes office bases its policies on good governance and the principles of democracy,” he said. “Regardless of which side a district’s MP chooses, the government’s distribution of wealth and benefits is for everyone.”

Lautimuia emphasised that Samoa’s governance framework ensures fairness across all districts, regardless of political alignment.

“Remember also that the Constitution of our country is founded on Christian principles. Christianity, democracy, and the principles of good governance are what every government’s policies are built upon to ensure that benefits are equal for all people and every district in the country,” he said. 

He said suggestions that benefits depend on political loyalty undermine democratic principles.

“The claim that you must join the ruling party to receive benefits is very weak, and it saddens me to hear it,” Lautimuia said. “Based on my experience serving in the Cabinet as the former Minister of Finance, the distribution and allocation of the country’s wealth is not based on political parties; it is based on the principles of good governance, the law, and democratic policies where benefits are equal for all.”

 Lautimuia pointed to national programs that apply uniformly across the country.

“The proof of this is the current District Project, which is distributed equally to all 51 districts in the country. It isn't just given to the districts of the MPs currently in government; it is shared equally,” he said. “Even the $150 assistance for children returning to school is being distributed equally to all citizens. That is the proof.”

Lautimuia ran in the 2025 elections, but he was unsuccessful by 126 votes against the former Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) member Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu. Now, Lautimuia will run against Taioaliiseu and two other candidates, Puaalatamai Filemoni and Tuuamaalii Foma’i Sapolu.

The Vaimauga No.3 by-election is scheduled for 1 May.