The ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) has launched their social media campaign with an official Facebook page that is linked to Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

Published on 9 March, 2021, a month before Election Day, the Facebook page was launched in response to requests from supporters, said Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, Member of Parliament for Faleata 3.

Lealailepule is one of only three representatives who are unopposed in the 2021 election and were declared Members of Parliament for the XVII Legislative Assembly in a public notice signed last Friday by the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi.

The three who have been declared MPs are: Lealailepule, caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi of Lepa, and Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa of Lotofaga. 

Lealailepule said while Tuilaepa did consider a Facebook ban in the past to curb misinformation, he eventually decided against it. He said the new H.R.P.P. page is to communicate the party's work with supporters and the general public. 

“The Facebook page was launched by demand of our supporters here in Samoa and overseas,” he told the Samoa Observer. 

“The supporters have demanded it because they want to see what our preparations are and things like that. We had not done a Facebook page, and I think it’s the right time to launch our Facebook, just to remind the people of how much the H.R.P.P. has contributed to the development of Samoa over the years.”

Lealailepule expressed his gratitude for the “wonderful blessing” of being officially declared a Member of Parliament under the H.R.P.P. ahead of the election.

“We pray for God’s guidance and we will stay humble and do whatever possible for the country. Voters, vote for the person who you believe in, who loves the people and the nation. 

"I firmly believe that the H.R.P.P. has done well over the years in providing stability and peace…with the economy for progress and development of Samoa. 

"H.R.P.P. has been doing very well and I encourage people to vote for the government. Vote for H.R.P.P.”

Lealailepule has held the Faleata seat for several terms. 

He was a founder of Tautua Samoa before he switching allegiances in 2016 to run under the H.R.P.P. banner. 

Most posts on the H.R.P.P. page are in the Samoan language and tout a hashtag that says the party’s work speaks for itself or “tautala galuega.”

“Welcome to the official page of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.), a political party in Samoa. Follow for updates from Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and H.R.P.P. Caucus,” states a blurb on their Facebook.

The official Facebook page says that Election 2021 is not far away and assures the public that Tuilaepa and the government are working to ensure a peaceful and fair election as they have done so in the past 39 years. 

They are also hosting a countdown to Election Day on Facebook. 

The party credits Tuilaepa’s leadership for Samoa’s stability in government and asks voters to cast their ballots for “honest leaders” and “working leaders.”

Voters are urged to “vote with the Lord.” 

The H.R.P.P. was founded in 1979. Published posts recount the accomplishments of the party over close to four decades, or 39 years.

Free wallpaper for mobile phones and devices have also been made available on their page for supporters. 

As of Tuesday evening, 16 March, the page had more than 2,000 followers.