Vote 'No' To One-Party State

Letter published Samoa Observer Tuesday 26-01-2010

VOTE ‘NO’ TO ONE PARTY STATE

Dear Editor,

Here is my response to the editorial (23-01-10) “Defying the political grain or stupidity’ by Mata’afa Keni Lesa.

Hooray for MPs Lealailepule and Palusalue! Fa’afetai le lotonu’u. Fa’afetai le alofa.

Their deliberate choice to stay with the Tautua Party and re-run in by-elections is truly an honourable act. They are defending the only chance left for a people's opposition voice in Parliament. By their act they are calling all voters to wake up to the dangers of a ONE PARTY STATE…

For the "almost" new prohibition law claimed by Tuilaepa's government to ensure integrity in the political parties (what political parties?), is used as a weapon to kill the only chance for a most needed second political party or a peoples' representative who can demand without reservation, transparency and responsibility of policies by government. This is exactly what Levaopolo Talatonu MP for Gagaemauga No 2 did on behalf of the people in Parliament (See SundaySamoan 24-01-2010 ‘Relief Funds will be Misused: MP’ by Marieta Heidi Ilalio). When MP Levaopolo questioned the government in Parliament about inconsistencies in the allocation of Tsunami funds he was speaking as a member of the Tautua Party. He was demanding on behalf of the people that government be transparent and tell the people what is going on.

Samoa's survival is being threatened in all corners by major global forces. This paper gave coverage of the reality of such forces over the last six months.

Samoa must be prepared to weather the global storms by strengthening its domestic foundations. The institution of Parliament is the right place to start.

The voters must know how their government is making decisions on their behalf. It is a crucial element of democratic political processes.

I pray that voters understand the significance of making an honest informed vote – one that will acknowledge men of principle.

Ma lo’u fa’aaloalo lava,

Meripa Weir (Keen Samoan Watcher from Abroad