Samoa’s caretaker Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, now leads a new political party to contest the upcoming general elections.
Called the Samoa Uniting Party, it has been registered with the Office of the Electoral Commission and also with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor, in compliance with legislation governing incorporated societies.
According to the Samoa Observer, the party leader is Fiame. Sitagata Uatoto Elisara serves as chairman, Lilomaiava Florence Sa’aga as secretary, and Tapuai Laupua as treasurer.
Caretaker minister and member Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo said they could not remain inactive or accept the way they have been treated by the FAST majority.
He said after the national budget was defeated, the 15 caretaker ministers resolved to establish a new party under Fiame’s leadership.
The Samoa Uniting Party plans to have an official launch soon and has already received support from various districts that have stepped forward to assist with the registration process.
