From the Governments Press Secretariat Office PRESS RELEASE 25 NOVEMBER 2013 Early elections would be political suicide for Tautua, says PM Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi thinks Opposition leader Palusalue Faapo II is out of his mind to call for early elections - three years from general elections. This week, Palusalue told the media that the Prime Minister is ‘distracted’ and the ruling HRPP party is ‘unstable’, affecting governance of the country. Asked for comment this morning, PM Tuilaepa said; “What distraction? What instability? We (HRPP) are getting ready to have a big party at the end of the year to celebrate 35 years of party unity and political stability. We will also be celebrating 35 years of progressive development and economic success that will soon see Samoa graduate from Least Developed Country status. Everybody is looking forward to it. The party is now stronger than ever.” The Prime Minister said he was surprised with Palusalue’s call. “See this phone,” he said, pointing to his desk phone. “ It’s been ringing off-the-hook the last few months with Tautua MPs wanting to join the HRPP. A snap election now would likely mean no more MPs for Tautua. And Palusalue would likely be a one-member party, if he gets to keep his seat. Which is very unlikely.” The Prime Minister said if it wasn’t for legislation the HRPP put in place in recent years - obligating MPs to stick with one party- all of the Opposition MPs would now have crossed the floor to the HRPP ranks. “Palusalue should know that very well. He was a political turncoat himself. Now he is stuck in the Opposition benches. If it wasn’t for the pertinent legislation we put in place, all Opposition MPs would be on this side of the House and Samoa would really be the one-party state some people have been making noise about. “An election now would be political suicide for the Tautua. But I seriously want a strong Opposition to continue in Parliament. It is integral to a continued working democracy, good governance and enhanced development for the country.”
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 02:20:22 +0000
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