She has big shoes to fill – if she wins - but Lemalu Silivia Iona is ready to step up.
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Lemalu is one of the candidates for the Lefaga and Falease’ela seat, which will be vacant when veteran Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Le Mamea Ropati, steps down.
Le Mamea has announced that he is not contesting next March’s General Elections.
For businesswoman Lemalu, she believes this is her chance to make a contribution to her district and Samoa.
She has already registered her candidacy with the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) and will compete against two other candidates.
Lemalu has also claimed the support of Matautu Lefaga, where the current M.P. hails from.
Asked about her plans, Lemalu said she wants to continue the work that has already been started by Le Mamea.
Among her priorities are health and road infrastructure. According to Lemalu, the constituents rely on the Leulumoega hospital and in most serious cases they have to make the long trip to Moto’otua hospital.
“Our villagers are also hard working farmers and it is important they have good access roads to their plantations,” said Lemalu. “We have a strong support on conservation projects and we hope to continue that and make other similar plans.”
As a mother and a woman who lives in the village, Lemalu said she also wants to advocate for women issues. She wants to improve the status of women in Samoa and make sure all women are well supported in whatever they want to do.
During the 2011 election, the Lefaga and Falease’ela constituency had 2,800 registered voters.
Only 2000 of them cast their votes. Lemalu said while the number of voters vary over the years, she hopes to see people exercise their their rights to vote and get behind their candidates.
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