Falealupo MP did not apply, Panel clarifies

Apia, SAMOA – 27 January 2026 – The interviewing panel for the selection of Chairpersons for the District Development Councils, have refuted the Falealupo MPs claim that she did apply for the position.

Falealupo MP, Aeau Tima Leavai told TV1 News she was saddened when named as one of the five Opposition MPs who did not apply for the post. She claimed she was concerned about the negative repercussions on her constituents who may interpret her not applying as being irresponsible.

However, the panel members clarified that the MP appeared for the interview but was told that she could not be interviewed because she did not apply.

The MP however insisted that she did apply. But when her file was brought up, she only had her CV and the standard Opposition letter where she opposed the selection process for the District Development Councils Chairpersons.

After the explanation by the Interviewing Panel Chair, the MP then apologized and requested to give her a chance as she was going back to prepare and submit her application.

According to the panel members, the MPs application arrived later but it was already late as the applications for the position had already closed.

Speaking on last weeks’ press conference, the Prime Minister stated that of the Opposition MPs, four who did not apply were not selected, five who applied and opposed were also not selected and five who did apply and interviewed are selected as Co-chairs.

The HRPP Opposition Party Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has threatened to take the government to court over the selection process of the Chairpersons of the District Development Project.

Under the current Project, each of the 51 constituencies have an allocation of $1.8m to be disbursed before the end of the 2025/2026 Financial Year in June 2026.