A 54-year-old chief who served the Government for more than three decades is confident that the constituency of A'ana Alofi No.2. will remain a Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) stronghold. 

With that in mind, Apenamoemanatunatu Tu'uau Letaulau is confident in his preparations for the by-elections at the end of this month that the seat will stay with the former ruling party. 

The former public servant will contest under the H.R.P.P. banner and will be up against the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) female candidate, Lolomatauama Eseta Mataituli, and another H.R.P.P. candidate, Aiono Tile Gafa. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Apenamoemanatunatu said he is unfazed by the strong campaign from the ruling party. 

"The constituency of A'ana Alofi No.2. has always been loyal to the H.R.P.P. party," the father-of-three said. 

"To this date, there is always a strong support from the elders and people of the village towards the party. That is why I am not bothered by the strong campaign from the other party and their efforts in trying to change the minds of the people. 

"I am confident that this seat belongs to the H.R.P.P. and it will remain a H.R.P.P. stronghold."

Apenamoemanatunatu resigned from his post at the Forestry Division under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) in October of 2020, to contest in the April's Election. 

While admitting that stepping into the political arena was never in his calendar, Apenamoemanatunatu is a strong believer that God has put it in his heart to chase his goal of becoming a politician. 

"The aim is similar to every other person who wants to contest," he said. 

"The ultimate goal is to represent the constituents in parliament and to serve the people and give back to the community."

When queried about why he had decided to contest under the H.R.P.P. banner and not under the ruling party's flag, he said: "I strongly support the party's policies and the party leadership. 

"One of the most attractive traits of the H.R.P.P. party is that they promote good governance and uphold the rule of law. 

"Samoa remained a stable country over the years under the leadership of the H.R.P.P.

"I trust their policies and the grounds of what they fight for. I am not a person who is easily swayed by new changes and what happens in the country. 

"Once my mind is set on something, I will fight and focus on that."

The other H.R.P.P. candidate from A'ana Alofi No.2., Aiono Tile Gafa is a former M.P. from the same constituency. He served two terms in parliament. 

Apenamoemanatunatu confirmed that they were asked to discuss and reach an agreement to field one candidate from A'ana Alofi No.2. instead of two. 

"The issue here is that A'ana Alofi No.2. is made up of the village Fasito'o-Uta. 

"There were discussions made with the other H.R.P.P. candidate, Aiono. We discussed the possibility of having only one candidate and whether it was possible for me not to contest the seat as he served two terms in parliament before. 

"However, we have agreed to run together and whoever wins will have our full support."

Despite that, Apenamoemanatunatu reiterated that the seat of A'ana Alofi will remain with the H.R.P.P. 

"Whether it's me or Aiono that will win the seat, I am confident that it will remain an H.R.P.P. seat. 

"We will let the voters decide and leave the rest to God. He will choose the right person to represent our seat and people in parliament."

Apenamoemanatunatu is married to Lagisi Letaulau and they have three children. 

Initially, the Aiono Afaese Toleafoa, son of the former M.P. and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa'afisi was elected M.P. for Aana Alofi No.2 following the elections in April.  

However, Aiono had his April election victory rendered void by the Supreme Court in August this year which had triggered the by-election for A'ana Alofi No.2. 

Aiono’s election was challenged by his election opponent, Lolomatauama who sought to unseat the first-timer politician and businessman from Fasitoo. 

In a ruling handed down by Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma the Court found Aiono guilty of all five bribery and treating charges.