FAST's La'auli Leuatea Polataivao, SUP's Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, and HRPP's Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific / FAST Party / Samoa Uniting Party / HRPP
With campaigning well underway for Samoa's general elections, registered political parties have been announcing their policy platforms.
Voters are being courted with manifestos that promise free public healthcare, cash payments for families, job creation schemes and major infrastructure investments.
Samoa electoral commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley said seven registered political parties will contest this year's election.
Among them are the ruling FAST party; its offshoot Samoa Uniting Party (SUP); the long-standing Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP); and four others: Samoa Labour Party (SLP); Samoa National Democratic Party (SNDP); Samoa Democratic Republic Party (SDRP); and the recently formed Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party (TPRRP).
Out of the seven political parties, the three largest contenders are HRPP, FAST and SUP.
FAST (Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi)
FAST, under leader La'auli Leuatea Polataivao, launched its manifesto in Savai'i earlier this month.
The party says its policies reflect a strong focus on social welfare and economic revitalisation:
- Free public hospital services
- Monthly allowances for pregnant women and young children
- Cash top-ups for families earning under $20,000
- Retirement age increased from 55 to 65
- VAT exemptions on essential goods
- Develop a $1.5 billion carbon credit market
- Establish a national stock exchange
- Inject $300 million into reviving Samoa Airways
- Expand renewable energy and district development funding
HRPP (Human Rights Protection Party)
HRPP, led by Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, was the first to launch its manifesto campaigning on financial support and significant infrastructure proposals.
The party has the longest list of policy promises including:
- A $500 cash grant per year for every family member.
- A Disability Benefit Enhancement
- Tax cuts
- Expansion of hospital services
- Build a bridge between Upolu and Savai'i
- Disability Benefit Enhancement - Increased monthly payments of $300 (up from $100) for individuals with permanent disabilities, recognising their unique challenges
- An additional $200 per month for carers of those who are completely immobile, supporting those who provide essential care
- A $1000 one-off payment at the time of birth to help families cover essential costs for newborn babies
- An additional $1000 one-off payment upon completion of infant vaccinations (Hexa-B and MMR-2) at 15 months, promoting child health and well-being
- Zero rating of Value Added Goods and Services Tax (VAGST) on essential food items, including canned chicken, tin fish (eleni), rice, flour, milk, butter, and potatoes, to reduce the cost of living for all Samoans
- The New Birth Grant Program incentivises infant vaccinations, ensuring a healthier future for Samoa's children
- Zero-rating VAGST on staple foods makes essentials more affordable, easing financial burdens for families
As part of the broader Poverty Alleviation Project, complements the Cost of Living Allowance and Pension Ensuring Lasting Empowerment for the Golden Age initiatives, with a total investment of $210m.
SUP (Samoa Uniting Party)
SUP, a newly formed party led by Fiame Naomi Mata'afa after her ejection from FAST, is promoting itself as a people-first party focused on continuity and reform.
Its manifesto includes:
- Free education and hospital care
- Disability allowances and increased ACC payouts
- Land restitution to villages
- Pension increases and expanded services for outer islands SUP says it aims to complete reforms left unfinished during
- Fiame's premiership, with a focus on restoring public trust in government
SLP (Samoa Labour Party)
The Samoa Labour Party, led by Fa'aolesa Katopau Ainu'u, is targeting employment and trade.
The party is proposing:
- A national family welfare programme
- Increased minimum wage
- Establishment of an export processing zone to support manufacturing and small business growth
TPRRP (Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party)
The Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party, is led by former public servant Molio'o Pio Molio'o.
Its platform promises:
- Halving household electricity costs
- Acquiring small aircraft to improve domestic and regional travel
- Greater investment in cultural institutions and traditional leadership
Who has yet to announce their policies?
Two parties - the Samoa National Democratic Party and the Samoa Democratic Republic Party - had not released formal manifestos at the time this article was published but remain registered to contest the election.
The official campaign period began 14 July and concludes 24 August, with advance voting to open 27 August and polling day set down for the 29 August.
According to the electoral office, there are 102,000 registered voters who will elect 51 members of parliament.
An amendment to Samoa's Electoral Act in 2013 introduced a 10 percent quota for women members of parliament.
The so called floating seats - because new seats are created if elected representatives do not meet the quota - became the centre of a constitutional crisis and numerous legal battles over the balance of power at the last election after the results produced a tie.
The impasse was broken only after an independent candidate joined the FAST Party camp but even then the transition of power dragged on for months.
*All currency is in Samoan Tala. (WST1 = NZ$0.59)
