An outreached programme by the Tautua Samoa political party that was deferred from last year due to electoral petitions will kick off in two weeks time. 

Tautua Samoa party President, Afualo Dr. Wood Salele, said their campaign in Savai’i has now been scheduled for 29 January and 5 February in Upolu. 

The former opposition party had lost one candidate after the electoral petitions and gained another contestant who successfully won the legal battles.

The public appearance by the party will be jointly done with the Samoa First Political Party and Sovereign Independent Samoa. 

In total the three parties together have 20 candidates who are contesting the upcoming general election. 

Despite the party’s outreach in the community being delayed, Afualo is confident that they still have strong backing from their supporters.

He said the party has been actively engaging with voters and audiences on different platforms through TV programmes, radio stations and online forums.

While the party had planned to go out in villages and constituencies like other parties, they have opted to hold one event in Upolu and another in Savai’i. 

The leader of the party also stressed the importance of donations and backing from businesses and groups in the lead up to the general election. 

He said funding is important for their candidates who are regularly participating in village affairs and are often expected to offer donations. 

“It is important that they do not buy votes or give it out to people to buy beers and that,” he said. Afualo added that candidates must understand the law and carry out their campaign in compliance with the necessary legislation.