Tautua Samoa Party

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Tautua Samoa Party
Vaega Faaupufai le Tautua Samoa
Colours  Green
Slogan"Work Honestly"
(Samoan: "Galue Faamaoni")
Website
tautuasamoaparty.com

The Tautua Samoa Party (Samoan: Vaega Faaupufai le Tautua Samoa) was a political party in Samoa. The party's policies include economic development, particularly in the agricultural sector, public service reform, a limit on the number of Associate Ministers, and a reduction in the term of Parliament from 5 to 3 or 4 years.[1] Its president was Afualo Wood Salele.

The party was deregistered on 7 March 2023 after failing to pay the annual registration fee.[2]

Formation

The party was formed by 11 independent Members of Parliament in December 2008.[3] The party's founders described their aim as providing parliamentary opposition to the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.[4]

Under the Samoan Electoral Act, registering as members of a new party would have required Tautua Samoa's members to contest a by-election for their parliamentary seats. To avoid this, the party was initially registered under the Companies Act,

Parliament of Samoa. Samoa at times has had no official opposition parties, because of restrictive Parliamentary rules that control and constrain the formation of opposition parties.[7][8]

The party launched with no formal leader; its interim chair was Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.[9] In January 2009, the Speaker of Parliament ordered Tautua Samoa to provide formal notice of its existence and membership.[10] The party formally identified itself, and nine Members of Parliament identified themselves as members. In May, Speaker Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei'ataua revoked the parliamentary membership of all nine of the party's MPs, on the grounds that joining a party after being elected breached the provisions of the Electoral Act and the parliament standing orders.[11] Their expulsion from Parliament would prompt by-elections. Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi stated that he would seek an interim injunction against the Speaker's ruling.[12][13] The Supreme Court of Samoa cancelled the by-elections and reinstated the MPs, stating that the speaker's position was wrong and the party formation was legal.[14]

In March 2010, the Electoral Act was amended, forbidding any Member of Parliament from leaving their initial party while retaining their seat. Consequently, three members of the Tautua Samoa Party resigned from Parliament: party chairman

Va'ai Papu Vailupe. Their resignation led to by-elections in their constituencies: Vaisigano number one, Faleata West, and Safata territorial.[15] Only those three Members of Parliament resigned, because only they declared they were members of the party following its formal registration. Other MPs who had initially aligned themselves with the party are therefore not officially members.[16]

On 2 May 2010

Va'ai Papu Vailupe was elected unopposed in the Vaisigano by-election, becoming the first MP elected for the party.[17]

2011 election

Main article: 2011 Samoan general election

In September 2010 the party announced that it had made an agreement with the

People's Party for the latter to run their candidates under the Tautua banner.[1] Shortly thereafter, the leader of the Samoa Party, Feo Nemaia Esau, announced that his party had disbanded and merged into the Tautua Samoa Party. He explained that the merger would form a more "united opposition" to the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.[18]

Also in September 2010, founding member Mulipola Oliva asked to run as an HRPP candidate.[19]

In November, the party announced that it had reached an agreement with the United Samoa People's Party and several independent politicians to form an organisation, Tumua'i Tutusa, to campaign together for the election. The new group's chairman, Afualo Dr. Wood Salele, stated that the organisation would seek divine intervention, notably through a week of fasting and praying, to defeat the Human Rights Protection Party in the upcoming election.[20] In December, party president Papalii Tavita Moala resigned unexpectedly, and Afualo Wood Salele was chosen for the presidency in his place.[21] On 22 December 2010 Va'ai Papu Vailupe was formally chosen as party leader, with Palusalue Fa’apo II as their deputy.[22]

In January 2011 the party announced a list of 47 candidates to contest the election.[23] In February 2011 at least three Tautua candidates were prevented from standing after village mayors refused to sign their nomination forms.[24][25] On 14 February the party elected Va'aelua Eti Alesana as its new president.[26]

At the election the party won 13 of 49 seats.[27] Following the election party leader Va'ai Papu Vailupe was found guilty of bribery and treating and deprived of his seat.[28] He contested the subsequent 2011 Vaisigano No. 1 by-election, but was unsuccessful.[29] Vailupe was subsequently convicted of bribery and fined $2,500.[30] In the interim, Palusalue Fa’apo II was confirmed as party leader, with A'eau Peniamina Leavaise'eta as his deputy.[31]

Party president Va'aelua Eti Alesana died on 4 October 2011.[32] On 11 November, Leatinu’u Salote Lesa became the party's president, and the first woman to hold that position.[33][34]

In October 2015 the party began publishing its own newspaper, Tautua Lelei.[35]

Initial MPs

2016 election

Main article: 2016 Samoan general election

In the leadup to the 2016 election, Tautua MP Levaopolo Talatonu Va’ai announced that he planned to quit the party and establish a new opposition party.[36] The party's chief whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, subsequently defected to the HRPP.[37]

On 4 January 2016 Tautua announced its key election policies of free medical care for under-5-year-olds, increased pension funding, and a ban on work on Sundays.

A'eau Peniamina and first term MP Ili Setefano Taʻateo.[41] This prevented Tautua Samoa from obtaining the eight seats required for recognition as a parliamentary party. Which left the party with no official status and also left Samoa without an official opposition.[42]
Party leader Palusalue Faʻapo II was among those to lose their seat in this election.[43][44]

Aftermath

Following the election, Palusalue congratulated Tuila'epa and the HRPP on their landslide victory. He then blamed the Tautua Samoa Party’s overwhelming defeat on vote-buying. Former shadow minister of finance Afualo Wood Salele weighed in on this sentiment, claiming that candidates had offered voters bags of rice, chicken legs and money.[44]

Levaopolo announced that he would rejoin the party, increasing Tautua Samoa’s seat count to three.[45] He subsequently began to call for the HRPP leadership to consider lowering the seat quota for parties to attain recognition in parliament. Members of the ruling party echoed this request. Prime minister Tuila'epa then instructed 19 HRPP caucus members who were not selected to be associate ministers to perform the role of the opposition along with the Tautua Samoa MPs.[44][46]

The party did not select a replacement following the defeat of party leader Palusalue. Deputy leader A'eau Peniamina was unable to confirm when the election of a new leader would occur.[47]

In April 2020

Ili Setefano Ta’ateo, one of the party's two MP's, revealed that he was facing pressure from his constituents to switch his support to the HRPP.[48]

2021 election

Main article: 2021 Samoan general election

The party nominated 14 candidates for the 2021 election.

F.A.S.T. party and Samoa National Democratic Party (who are already in a formal alliance) to form a "grand coalition" to oust the government.[52]

Election and aftermath

During the 2021 election, Tautua Samoa failed to win any seats in the legislative assembly.[53] Initially it appeared that the party would retain one seat, with Tautua Samoa Party candidate Tamaleta Taimang Jensen leading in the Vaimauga No. 2 constituency. However, an accounting error was detected, which had incorrectly displayed Jensen leading ahead of the HRPP candidate. Thus leaving the party with no seats.[54] The party supported prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi’s proposal for a second election, as a means of breaking the parliamentary deadlock that had formed between FAST and the HRPP.[55] Tautua Samoa began to campaign for the second poll, however the Supreme Court ruled that the proclamation by the O le Ao o le Malo (head of state) for a second election was unlawful.[56][57]

Party President Afualo Wood Salele unsuccessfully attempted to challenge the results of the electorate he contested of Salega No. 1, via an electoral petition. Subsequently through another electoral petition, the supreme court found him guilty of three counts of bribery.[58]

2021 by-elections

Main article: 2021 Samoan by-elections

On 23 August, the party met to re-strategise for upcoming by-elections.[59] Afualo Wood Salele later announced that the party would be endorsing three candidates one from Tautua Samoa and two independents to contest the by-elections.[60][61] Tautua Samoa’s sole candidate Su’a Samuelu Su’a withdrew his nomination to contest the Aleipata Itupa i Lalo electorate on 12 November.[62] Both of the Tautua Samoa endorsed candidates were unsuccessful.[63]

Electoral performance

Legislative Assembly

Election Votes % Seats +/– Rank Government
2011 21,692 24.7
13 / 49
 New Steady 2nd Opposition
2016 6,743 8.4
2 / 50
 Decrease 11 Steady 2nd No status
2021 2,900 3.2
0 / 51
 Decrease 2 Decrease 3rd Extra-parliamentary

References

  1. ^ a b Aigaletaulele’a F. Tauafiafi (22 September 2010). "Tautua on the move". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
  2. ^ Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong (14 July 2023). "O.E.C. deregisters two political parties". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  3. ^ Alan Ah Mu (17 December 2008). "Tautua Samoa officially launched". Samoa Observer. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  4. ^ Jasmine Netzler (9 July 2008). "New party named Tautua Samoa". Samoa Observer.
  5. Radio New Zealand International. 14 July 2008. Archived from the original
    on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  6. ^ Pio Sioa (6 May 2008). "No Bi-Elections – Speaker". Samoa Alive Newsline. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  7. ^ United States Department of State 2010 Human Rights Report: Samoa, US State Department, 8 April 2011
  8. ^ Samoa’s government system regarding political participation, Pacific Women in Politics (PACWIP), 18 April 2011, originally published in the Samoan Observer newspaper.
  9. ^ Pio Sioa. "Tautua Samoa Party is now official". Samoa Alive Newsline. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  10. ^ "Samoa's Parliamentary speaker orders new political party to declare caucus members". RNZ. 25 January 2009. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  11. ^ "SAMOA MPS DISQUALIFIED, MUST FACE BY-ELECTION". Pacific Islands Report. 2 June 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  12. ^ "By-elections to be called in Samoa for nine vacant parliamentary seats". Radio New Zealand. 31 May 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  13. ^ "Change of heart forces new Samoa by-elections", ABC Radio Australia, 31 May 2009
  14. ^ "Samoa court reinstates nine MPs, cancels by-elections". Radio New Zealand. 2 July 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  15. ^ "By-elections to be called in Samoa following new amendments". Radio New Zealand. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Va'ai springs election shock". Samoa Observer. 10 March 2010.
  17. ^ Alan Ah Mu (2 May 2010). "Fear tactic failed: Va'ai". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
  18. Radio New Zealand International
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  19. ^ Marieta Heidi Ilalio (27 September 2010). "MPs defect". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  20. ^ "Samoa opposition politicians pray for success in 2011 general elections". RNZ. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  21. ^ "Tautua Samoa party president quits". RNZ. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  22. ^ "Va'ai Papu chosen as Tautua Samoa leader". RNZ. 22 December 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  23. ^ "Tautua Samoa party announces election candidates". RNZ. 7 January 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Rival to Tuilaepa in Samoa election may not be able to stand". RNZ. 10 February 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  25. ^ "More Tautua rejects". Samoa Observer. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2011.
  26. ^ "Son of former Samoa leader now leading opposition party". RNZ. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  27. ^ "Samoa's ruling party retains power with reduced majority". RNZ. 6 March 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  28. ^ "Tautua Samoa party leader found guilty of bribery and treating". RNZ. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  29. ^ "Samoa ruling party sweeps by-elections". RNZ. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  30. ^ "Former opposition leader in Samoa escapes jail pay fine for bribery and treating charges". RNZ. 25 June 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  31. ^ "Tautua Samoa caucus elect new leaders". RNZ. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  32. ^ "Tautua Samoa president dies". RNZ. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  33. ^ "Woman becomes President", Samoa Observer, 16 November 2011
  34. ^ "Opposition Tautua Samoa elects woman president". RNZ. 15 November 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  35. ^ "Samoa opposition says newspaper offers different view". RNZ. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  36. ^ "Samoa MP announces planned new party". RNZ. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  37. ^ "Samoa chief opposition whip crosses floor". RNZ. 8 February 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  38. ^ "Samoa opposition announces key policies for elections". RNZ. 7 January 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  39. ^ "171 candidates for Samoa general election". RNZ. 13 February 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  40. ^ "Samoa's ruling HRPP retains 4 seats ahead of the poll". RNZ. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  41. ^ "Tautua Samoa party finally talks after disastrous poll results". RNZ. 9 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  42. ^ "Samoa Tautua and HRPP MPs to play role of opposition". RNZ. 19 March 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  43. ^ "Opposition Leader Palusalue Faapo Loses Seat". Talanei. 3 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  44. ^ a b c "Tautua Samoa party finally talks after disastrous poll results". RNZ. 9 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  45. ^ "Count me in, Olo stands up for Tautua". Samoa Observer. 6 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  46. ^ "Samoa Tautua and HRPP MPs to play role of opposition". RNZ. 19 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  47. ^ Lanuola Tusani Tupufia (17 March 2016). "Tautua leadership undecided". Samoa Observer. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  48. ^ Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong (25 April 2020). "M.P. remains with Tautua Party, H.R.P.P. switch possible". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  49. ^ Soli Wilson (23 October 2020). "The 200 to contest 2021 general election". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  50. ^ Soli Wilson (11 December 2020). "Tautua, Samoa First and S.I.S. announce election alliance". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  51. ^ Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (30 January 2021). "Tautua alliance launches manifesto in Savai'i". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  52. ^ Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (29 January 2021). "Opposition parties discuss grand coalition". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  53. ^ "Tautua Samoa accepts defeat". Samoa Observer. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  54. ^ "Accounting error in Samoa election has top parties tied again". RNZ. 11 April 2021. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
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  56. ^ "Tautua Samoa kicks off second campaign". Samoa Observer. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  57. ^ "Samoa court dismisses call for second election". RNZ. 17 May 2021. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  58. ^ Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong (25 June 2021). "Afualo guilty of bribery". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  59. ^ "Tautua Samoa to discuss by-election run". Samoa Observer. 23 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  60. ^ "Tautua Samoa's by-election plan". Samoa Observer. 5 September 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  61. ^ Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong (5 November 2021). "Twenty-two candidates register for by-elections". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  62. ^ Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong (12 November 2021). "Tautua Samoa pulls out from by-election". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  63. ^ Ganasavea Manuia Tafeaga (29 November 2021). "Warrant of Election Declares 8 Parliamentary Seats after By-elections". Samoa Global News. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
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