Independents: Potential game-changing force in Sāmoa elections

Sāmoa’s snap election on Friday is focusing on the dominant political parties - FAST, HRPP, and the newly formed SUP - led by heavyweights Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, and Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Pre-polling wrapped up on Wednesday, with Electoral Commissioner Tuiafelolo Toleafoa Alex Stanley confirming that 430 polling booths - 261 in Upolu and 169 in Savai’i. Security has also been stepped up, with more than 500 officers deployed.

A coalition of Independent candidates, led by Leiataualesā Jerry Brunt and called Independents Together, is gaining momentum as an alternative to party politics.

“We’re not a political party,” Leiataualesā says. “We call ourselves a grouping, Independent Together, because we share the same dream - to make a difference from what the political parties are pushing in their manifestos.”

Contesting from Aiga i le Tai as a first-time candidate, he says the group embodies an appetite for change and frustration over party dominance. When asked if their agenda was simply a reaction to being passed over by major parties, Leiataualesā says it has been a mixed bag.

“Some may still have sentiments for certain political parties… now we are firmly bonding… and collectively we will make a strong voice. If you try to go after the election and negotiate on your own, they’ll take you in as a number, just a number.

Independents were pivotal in making up the numbers during the last election. Photo/Anetone Sagaga

“Out of 44 independent candidates registered nationwide, about 30 have openly aligned themselves in this network,” he says. Others, he adds, are quietly supportive.

In the 2021 elections, independents played a pivotal role in transitioning power from HRPP to FAST, with 25 seats each in the 51-seat legislative assembly. One independent, dubbed the “kingmaker” - Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, held the key to a majority. After days of negotiations, he chose FAST and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

This year’s independents aim to reform the relationship between voters and MPs, highlighting grassroots issues rather than party promises.

Leiataualesā Jerry Brunt speaks on behalf of Independents Together, a coalition of independent candidates aiming to upset party politics. Photo/Anetone Sagaga

“We want the voter to be the force to be reckoned with, not the candidate, not the party. Parties talk about manifestos, but promises mean nothing unless there is a strong member of parliament actually fighting for the people. That has been forgotten.”

The independents’ key priorities include educational reform, healthcare, economic development, and fighting corruption.

The stance sets them apart from the established players. HRPP’s populist manifesto promises money in hand for every Sāmoan, ambitious infrastructure upgrades and finance sector policies. FAST, by contrast, has built its campaign around families as the foundation of policy, pledging a new Ministry of Family Affairs, increased funding for district development, and institutional reforms to ensure greater accountability. SUP, born from a FAST government splinter and led by caretaker prime minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, has positioned itself as a disciplined and restorative movement, promising free education, electoral reform, and renewed trust in governance.

"We need to check with our people - are they willing, is it going to benefit them, or just some outside institution? That’s the real test.” - Leiataualesā Jerry Brunt. Photo/Anetone Sagaga

Unlike established parties that focus on financial incentives and development promises, Leiataualesā insists the independents seek to prioritise the voters’ voice.

“We’re not here to absorb their [party] agendas. We’ve agreed we will not be absorbed by any party. If we negotiate, we negotiate as independents, not as foot soldiers of another manifesto.”

Leiataualesā believes that independents could influence the election, saying eight seats would be enough to form a coalition without triggering by-elections. Anything beyond that, he says, could place independents at the very centre of government formation. “People ruled out FAST in the last election, and look what happened. Don’t rule out the independents.”

“We need a minimum of eight seats to form a coalition of independents. If we get 20 or more, we could even lead government ourselves. People ruled out FAST in the last election, and look what happened. Don’t rule out the independents.”

He says Sāmoa’s history of one-party dominance, which HRPP led for decades, is unlikely to return. He argues that coalition politics is not a threat to stability but a part of the Sāmoan tradition.

“When we have village meetings, democracy is being played right there. Chiefs may yell, but in the end, everyone is heard before decisions are made. That’s our strength. Coalitions are not a threat to stability, they’re part of our tradition.”

A traditional ceremony to mark a special occasion. Sāmoa's culture and traditions are the pillars of the community. Photo/Anetone Sagaga

In his view, instability comes from leadership battles, as seen with FAST’s internal issues.

“That split was not about coalitions. It was a leadership issue within FAST itself, and it never should have happened,” he says.

The Independents take a moderate approach to the Sāmoan diaspora, advocating that while those of Sāmoan descent are important, voting rights should prioritise those who live in the country.

“Matai overseas already have the mechanism to register and vote. Online voting is not ready, even New Zealand doesn’t allow it. Let’s not create division between diaspora and locals. Families are still united in fa’alavelave, weddings, and funerals. Politics makes it look otherwise, but the real Sāmoa is unity.”

They propose strengthening borders against methamphetamine trafficking, shifting the focus from minor drug offences to addressing the larger drug crisis.

“We need to create sustainable livelihoods so young people aren’t tempted by quick money. Honest hard work may not make you a millionaire overnight, but it lasts,” Leiataualesā says. “Short-term wealth from drugs disappears as quickly as it comes. Families need to hear that message again.”

"Honest hard work may not make you a millionaire overnight, but it lasts." Photo/Anetone Sagaga

Their core message centres on prioritising voters and sustainable livelihoods over political promises, appealing to the younger generation for leadership.

“We shouldn’t be afraid of change. Parties will always have their own dreams, but we need to check with our people - are they willing, is it going to benefit them, or just some outside institution? That’s the real test.”

With the election imminent, the Independents position themselves as a serious alternative, highlighting the potential for significant shifts in power dynamics within Sāmoan politics. “This election is not just about one day, it’s about five years,” Leiataualesā says.

Listen to Leiataualesā's interview below.