A candidate in the upcoming general elections in Samoa received a rude shock when his billboard was vandalized.
DJ Fong the son of candidate, Faumuina Asi Pauli Wayne Fong said, “the most disappointing thing to take out of this is the reflection it portrays on our society today,"
The billboard was bought in the hope of attracting voters to support Faumuina's bid to become a member of parliament.
Campaigning is expensive and a billboard is a cheaper way of reaching out to potential voters.
"There are better more legitimate ways to prove your point than resorting to vandalism," Fong said.
"The ballot is stronger than the bullet. If you want to be heard, then go and vote, because people do not listen to the actions of cowards," he stated.
The billboard was vandalised before, and was on national television. The Urban West candidate took the benefit of the doubt and forgave the unknown perpetrator, and decided to put up a second billboard.
The incident has caused outrage and questions have been raise about where the law stands on such acts.
"The first time it happened we gave it the benefit of the doubt. As deliberate as it might have seemed, we thought to ourselves, 'No, people can’t be this senseless."
"The second time I guess has just proven us wrong," he stated.
DJ Fong took to Facebook to express his frustration, grieving the loss of integrity in society and the self-consciousness that should have been.
However, he remains resolute in the bid to be elected to parliament.
"This will not faze us, and by no means will it deter us from moving forward.
"Everyone has a right to free and fair election, and no act of cowardice will dissuade us," he said.