22 Nov 2010

Third candidate eyes Misa Telefoni's seat in Samoa

3:20 pm on 22 November 2010

A third candidate has entered the race for the seat left vacant by Samoa's deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni.

Misa Telefoni has informed his constituency of Falelatai and Samatau he will not contest the seat in the elections in March.

Mano'o Kato from the Samatau part of the constituency has officially declared his candidacy in visits to the two centres of Falelatai, Pata and Siufaga.

Siufaga has backed the candidacy of Taefu Lemi while Pata is behind To'omaga Salapu.

Both candidates support the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.

Misa Telefoni has held the Falelatai and Samatau seat since 1988.

He has not revealed what his future will be in politics, but he is eligible to stand in two other constituencies.

There is speculation he will quit politics and seek to fill one of two vacant positions in the Council of Deputies.

Members of the council deputise for the Head of State.