The Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) endorsed candidate, Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Siaaga does not plan to challenge the eligibility of his competitors running for the Gagaifomauga No. 2 by-election.

Lomia will be up against two Independent candidates and a Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) endorsed rival in next month's by-election.

He made his official appearance before the media as a F.A.S.T. candidate on Friday at the Maota Samoa accompanied by Prime Minister and F.A.S.T. Leader, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Chairman of the party, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt. Party secretary, Vaaaoao Salu Alofipo was also present.  

According to party chairman La’auli, the political party has no intention to petition any of the other candidates. 

He said two of the candidates running as Independents had sought the party’s endorsement for the by-election but the leadership agreed to only endorse one candidate. 

Lomia from the villages of Faletagaloa and Fatuvalu Safune hopes to continue the work started by his predecessor and former M.P. Vaele Iona Sekuini. 

In particular, the candidate is looking to address issues with schools in the constituency in terms of quality education as well as road construction. 

Fiame said the party continues to prioritise its policies that places an emphasis on agricultural and fisheries development. These priorities are important, especially with the COVID-19 and the need for villagers to turn to the land and the sea to feed their families. 

She also noted one of the new projects implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (M.A.F.) that allows constituencies to host their own Talomua events instead of having one main one. 

Fiame added the activities and responsibilities are depended on the M.Ps promote in their constituencies for their own development. 

Furthermore, she said the party has always been an advocate for the rule of law and when laws are not respected and enforced it will affect the protection of people’s rights. 

On the F.A.S.T. candidate contesting the by-election, Fiame acknowledged his support for the party and someone who has been with the party since its establishment. 

Lomia is a 43-year-old businessman and farmer from Savai'i who stepped aside during last April’s general election in order to support the former M.P. Vaele. 

The by-election is scheduled for the first week of next month with pre-polling on Wednesday 1 June and polling on Friday 3 June.