Cardinal with a view
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
ONE of the influential groups which has pursued universal suffrage for Western Samoa is the country’s Council of Churches, headed by Roman Catholic Cardinal, Pio Taofmuu. The council began making formal approaches to government about electoral reform five years ago, although its concern over abuse of matai titles dates back well before then.
Cardinal Pio said there is no point in saying that only chiefs should vote when so many people are becoming chiefs.
Universal suffrage will protect traditional values and customs. Cardinal Pio said the present system permits the creation of matai titles merely for political pur poses; more chiefs mean more votes. He said abuse is destroying the foundations of Samoan traditions and way of life.
Cardinal Pio wants the practise of mak ing chiefs out of children stopped.
Cardinal Pio opposes party politics and suggests government appoints Cabinet Ministers from both sides of the House.
Western Samoa’s ruling Human Rights Protection Party is headed by Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana. The
Opposition Samoa National Develop
ment Party is headed by former Prime Minister Tupuola Efi, now known as Tupua Tamasese Efi. □
Cardinal Pio: concerned