9 April

He told a radio audience this week that his party will garner no less than 45 of the 49 parliamentary seats on offer.

He said that means the opposition parties will not be able to carry out any proposed amendments to the constitution.

The opposition parties are campaigning on perceived nationwide opposition to recent constitutional changes.

The veteran MP said changing the constitution is not easy.

A two thirds majority or 34 votes is required to instigate any Constitutional changes.

The date was announced during the one day sitting of Parliament where several amendments to the Electoral Law were passed.

Minister of Justice, Fa'aolesa Katopau Ainu'u, who is also responsible for the Electoral Office, told the House on Tuesday, the date was approved by Cabinet two weeks ago.

It was also revealed four political parties including the ruling Human Rights Protection Party, Tautua Samoa Party, Samoa First Political Party and the Samoa National Democratic Party, will contest the elections