APIA: The Human Rights Protection Party swept back to power with a landslide victory in the Samoan general election on Friday.
But a beaming Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi is not getting carried away.
“Only 16 old members have come back,” he said, “and there are 20 new faces, including six independents.”
“The message, therefore, is very clear, very simple. If we don’t perform in the next five years, more members will go. The party is also reminded that the platform of projects and programmes have already been laid down in the party manifesto.
“The mandate for the new government is huge and will have to vastly improve in terms of productivity, service delivery and good governance.
“That is the only way to beat the calls for a change of government – which will no doubt get louder and louder. We will certainly have to work twice as hard as we did the last five years.”
Rolling up sleeves
Tuilaepa said that once a Cabinet has been appointed, the new government would immediately roll up the sleeves and go into projects and development mode.
“There is plenty of work to be done. Our priorities are climate change-related projects and inter-related sectors, agriculture, health, education and energy renewal.”
The HRPP has gone a seat better than the 35 it won in 2006. But importantly, said the Prime Minister, is that it has again managed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the House.
“Yet again, it is an indication of the high level of confidence the country has in us . Having the two-thirds majority means that we will have control of the house to improve essential legislations.’
Tautua Party deputy leader Palusalue Faapo II Saturday morning congratulated the Prime Minister and the HRPP on yet another victory at the polls.
“We are happy with the 13 members we now have," said Palusalue.
“We have the numbers to be recognised as a legitimate opposition party in the house. We now have our work cut out for us. We have to provide a strong opposition to the ruling party in the house.”
Last Friday’s elections was very calm and without any serious incident. - Savali News/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
