In Niue’s General Election conversations, it is often talked about the story of the ‘curse of the Office of the Secretary to Government’ as every holder of the Office of the Secretary to Government has attempted a seat in the Fono Ekepule and all of whom have vied for a common roll seat.
In the 46 years of self- government there has been a total of 6 holders of the office of the secretary to government. All five former Secretaries have vied for a seat on the common roll but only one has been successful.
The first secretary to government the late Terry Chapman from Alofi North tried a few times but did not get in. The next former secretary to government Bradley Punu from Hakupu tried but was also unsuccessful in his attempts for a seat in parliament.
The third Secretary to government and the first woman to take up the office is Sisilia Lipitoa Talagi who tried in the last three elections but was also unsuccessful in her attempts for one of the 6 common roll seats.
In 2011, the curse was broken when the fourth holder of the office of the secretary to government Crossley Tatui from Hakupu was elected into the Fono Ekepule. Tatui has been one of the six common roll members since 2011.
This year there are two former secretaries to government vying for one of the six common roll seats. Entering for the first time and is the fifth immediate former holder of the Office is Richard Hipa of Alofi South.
All five former holders of the office have attempted but only one has been successfully elected into the Fono Ekepule. Maybe the curse is lifted for good but we’ll find out for sure on Saturday next week.