FAST Endorses Candidate for Gagaifomauga No 2 by-election

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 20 MAY 2022: The Leader of the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi –FAST party today officially introduced their candidate Lomia Tauloa Moafanua Siaaga for Gagaifomauga No 2 by-election on 3 June 2022.

The FAST Leader, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa endorsed the candidate at a press conference today.

She said the candidate is one of the founding members of FAST and had worked closely with the late Member of Parliament, Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini towards last years’ general election.

Vaele’s won the seat but passed away suddenly in March, opening the door for the by-election.

Lomia is going against one Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and two Independent candidates.

Candidate to continue what Vaele started if successful
Endorsing the candidate, Fiame emphasized the need to continue what Vaele had started and laid down for the constituency’s long term development which is in-line with the FAST Party manifesto with the focus on human development for the district.

Fiame said that Lomia had been very close to the party’s ideals and policies as a founding party member and had been following the party’s political rallies that travelled throughout the country for four months in the lead up to last years’ general elections.

Asked about his preparations, Lomia said “Preparations are going well and I feel good about it.”

He also said that if he is elected, he will follow through what the late Vaele had laid down the districts development with the focus on agriculture, health and education.

He admitted there are quite a few challenges within the district and he will work to address them if successful in the by-election.

FAST Chairman, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao was asked to confirm if the Independent candidates had pledged support for FAST.

“We have met and were informed of FAST’s stance on having one candidate to compete under the FAST flag as was done in the general election,” said Laauli.

“This was the winning strategy in the general election because HRPP fielded five candidates against Vaele,” he said.

Meanwhile, the field has been reduced from five to four with HRPP withdrawing former MP Sooalo Mene and giving their backing to a single candidate in Sooalo Poka.