FAST calls for peace while opponents claim bribery in Sāmoa election aftermath

The Fa’atuatua i le Atua Sāmoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party celebrated what it believes is a historic election victory with a service at Apia Park on Sunday, drawing thousands of supporters in person and online, as preliminary results indicated the party had a commanding lead.

According to preliminary counts broadcast by the government channel, Radio 2AP, FAST secured 32 seats, the Human Rights Protection (HRPP) Party got 12 seats, the Sāmoa United Party (SUP) won three seats, and Independents have four seats.

An official tally from the Electoral Commission had not been released as of Sunday evening. A final count of all ballots begins Monday, with Laauli expecting his historic rise to the position of Prime Minister of Sāmoa.

Reverend Enefatu Ale Lesa, chair of the powerful Congregational Christian Church of Sāmoa (CCCS), led the service, urging restraint and forgiveness. His words carried significant weight, given the CCCS’ influence in every village across the country.

“Be a place of respite for everyone, even your enemies,” he says. “God chose you, use the gifts you have been given - embrace your opponents and forgive them. That is a gift you can give yourself first.”

As head of the largest church denomination in Sāmoa, the chairman’s comments referenced the discord between political parties leading up to last week’s general elections.

An emotional Laauli addresses supporters at the FAST Sunday service. Photo/Renate Rivers

Laauli, emotional and visibly moved, began to sing hymns before addressing the crowd.

“I am reluctant for anyone to call me the Prime Minister, because the media will put me on the front page of their news,” he says. “This is God’s timing. Now is the time for a government that is led by God.

“Other governments are led by their laws and beliefs, but we will worship our Lord. That’s what our forebears laid out for us. Only God can show the truth and guide the way.

Preliminary counting puts FAST well ahead of their rivals from HRPP and SUP. Photo/FAST

“A government cannot continue on its own, all Sāmoans here and abroad have to stand together, all church leaders must unite with the government for peace and harmony.”

In addressing the ongoing disharmony in Parliament and among political parties, Laauli spoke directly to Tuilaepa and Fiamē, saying, “Enough already”.

“Sāmoa has spoken, they have chosen. I ask that you come and we stand together to unite the country. God sees my heart for you both. I served you for many years.

“Whatever our disagreements, we must now seek harmony for Sāmoa. That is my prayer. We must bring peace to the country. Let’s accept the decision of the country at the elections. I pray that you support me.”

The Sāmoa Uniting Party has remained silent since the preliminary results were released, while the HRPP spoke to local media over the weekend.

HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says the preliminary results were not what they expected.

HRPP is set to challenge FAST in court after alleging bribery by Laauli's party. Photo/Anetone Sagaga

“Despite being well-prepared, the results clearly indicate that voters are no longer looking ahead to the future, but are only looking at the money that is being given to them the night before elections.

“Money that will probably be gone in a day or two. The amazing thing is how bribery and buying votes is so brazen now. And we’re not talking about small amounts either. If you offer big amounts of money to a simple family… what else is there to say?”

“The amounts of money, and the fact that this was done in every district is just incredible. But we won’t let this stand. Otherwise, it will continue this way and we will lose good people in the process. Once we get to the stage of normalising giving out so much money, then it can spiral from there.”

HRPP deputy leader Fonotoe Pierre Meredith says many factors need to be considered, including the women’s seats.

“The results still have to be finalised. There are many districts with close tallies, and the special votes and pre-polling votes haven’t been finalised yet.

“In HRPP’s view, FAST have not won. The final count has not been completed, and potential court cases or petitions are not yet known.

A polling booth in Toamua in the Faleata IV district. Photo/PMN

“We prepared well, we visited districts, researched for our manifesto. Now we are receiving reports about lots of money being used on the final days to buy votes.”

HRPP secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi says they went into the elections “so confident”.

“What happened is inexplicable. We were well prepared, but people ignored it.

“Our candidates are experienced and educated, there’s no doubt about that. So we believe this is not over. So even if the new government is sworn in, it won’t change the fact that there are processes that need to be followed, such as court action for any illegal activities.

“We have been talking amongst ourselves, trying to find out what we could have missed in what we offered. You must remember, there’s a lot of money that is spent in elections… given to people. People are voting with short-term satisfaction and not long-term vision.”

At FAST’s Sunday service, Laauli says this government would be one of action.

Huge crowds of supporters, many from diaspora communities overseas, gathered at the thanksgiving service in Apia. Photo/Renate Rivers

“Once the final count of votes has been completed and results confirmed, the new government must be acknowledged and put in place. We should not wait.”

The Prime Minister-in-waiting says one of the changes that FAST will introduce is that Sāmoans living overseas will no longer be treated differently from local Sāmoans.

“No matter how far you are from home, you never forsake us. Six hundred, 700 million tala per year in remittances. Your heart for this country is to be admired,” Laaulia says, adding that the diaspora should continue sending money in support of the FAST plan of action.

“We walked into 51 districts, held over 100 prayer services, and what was the answer to our prayers? We can see that here today.”

As FAST celebrates and HRPP vows to challenge, attention now turns to the Electoral Commission and the Courts. Sāmoa’s next government will be shaped not just by the people’s votes, but by how those votes hold up to scrutiny.

Watch PMN News' Renate Rivers' update from Apia below.