Pacific Islands Monthly

Stomachs, Cars And Liquor Bars

Loomed Large In Samoa Election

From FELISE VA’A in Apia

Western Samoa’s parliamentarians had no doubt, once they had been elected themselves, who they wanted as Prime Minister. With three to choose from, the outgoing Prime Minister, Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV, Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu 11, whom Tamasese ousted in 1970, and young Tupuola Efi, more than half of them voted for Mataafa, giving him his most resounding victory of the three he has won out of the four con tests since independence came in 1962.

For once the street and bar gossipers were on the ball.

Though many professed, before the March elections, ignorance of political trends, they were surprisingly in accord with their criticisms of the outgoing government.

Those criticisms proved to be the death-knell of Tama sese’s chances of returning to power.

High on the list was the Tamasese government’s un popularity. It started on an optimistic note but a time wore on it became responsible for some unpopula measures—an increase in import duties which hoiste* food and car prices being the most unpopular. Wive? faced with bigger bills, grumbled and their husband remembered when they voted and ousted four cabine ministers including Finance Minister Tofa Siaosi, wh was held responsible.

Another factor was the lack of cabinet accord, o squabbles and jealousies between ministers who pr« ferred having things their own way instead of workin as a team.

Tamasese, regarded as a gentle gentleman, wasn strong enough, his critics said, to control his minister: There was also talk of ministers failing to keep appoini ments, of their love of playing and imbibing when the; should have been working. As a cabinet ministe Tupuola Eli had to take some of the blame and hi image suffered though it was probably the least of hi handicaps. Young though he is, his ability is recognise and he’ll come back for another chance. But this time conservatism was in the wind and the conservative (with a small c) were the ones who won seats. Efi j regarded as a liberal and an individualist and i Western Samoa individualists are regarded as an od group.

The reasons for Mataafa’s success are not all negativ* Pretty high in the list must come his own personality his honesty and the skilful way in which he ran h campaign. The situation was ripe for him. Perhaps h knew it and knew that all he had to do was pluc the fruit although he kept his distance from the tre until the last two weeks before the election.

He has now announced his cabinet—Laume Matolou 11, Minister of Works; Muagututia Pinafi Minister of Agriculture; Sam Saili, Minister of Finana Alfonso Philipp, Minister of Education; Seiuli Taulafo Minister of Health; Lesatale Rapi, Minister of Landl Tapuai Ene, Minister of Radio and Post Office; am biggest surprise of all, Tupua Tamasese Lealofi, Minisfi of lustice.

Is the last choice a sign that the two Tama Aigt Mataafa and Tamasese, have joined forces, recognisic the danger to themselves of the threat posed by Tupuo < Efi? It would appear that the answer is Yes. To th country at large this is a good sign—better, they saj for the Tama Aiga to agree rather than fight each otht for when the Tama Aiga agree all is well. When the fight ail is not well and things might explode, so tH Samoans reason. But will it always be like this? • For election details see p 25.