Faleata East’s Member of Parliament, Aveau Niko Palamo, is ready for the General Elections.

Aiming for a second term, Aveau, who is flying the Tautua Samoa Party flag is hoping that his constituents will give him another chance. 

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Aveau believes the development of Samoa is lagging behind.

 “Samoa has been facing the same issues in health, education, cost of living, the need for more jobs for the people of Samoa,” he said.

“To solve these issues, we need to change the government so that people with new ideas can guide Samoa forward.

“We also need mew methods and ideas because this is the new age and our country is still years behind.”

Asked about his plans if he is successful, he said his hope is that Tautua Samoa will become the government of the day.

“There is so much we can do for our people, however the government of the day has the final say,” he said.

“The poverty, the uncontrolled non communicable diseases is the reflection of the government of the day. We need a new and better government for the people.”

Asked why he has chosen the Tautua Samoa Party when there are more lucrative offers by the ruling Human Rights Protection Party, Aveau said he enjoys the ability to speak his mind freely. 

“It is the freedom to express ourselves in Parliament and to fight for a better life for our people,” he said.

So is he confident that the people of his constituency will vote for him? 

 “Only God knows. I have good support from my family and constituency,” he said.

“I am confident the people are happy with the way I represented them in Parliament.

“[And] being their voice in Parliament, I think I have done the best I can to represent them through Parliament sessions especially Parliament Select Committees.”

Aveau also believe that Tautua Samoa Party has the same chance as the Human Rights Protection Party to win the upcoming election.

“Samoa, vote for a better Samoa,” he said.

“We need better health system, better education system, better agricultural development and a better life where everyone is equal.

“We have all struggled to make life better and for the last 30 years we are still struggling so vote for a better future.”

Aveau is a former Manu Samoa 15s and 7s rugby coach.

He was first elected to Parliament during the 2011 Election.