HRPP’s extra woman seat prolongs political stalemate

Independent Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio to announce his decision today and HRPP’s Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tu’u’au declared elected by activating Article 44 (1A) of the Constitution.

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 21 APRIL 2021: The declaration late last night of a woman candidate for Alataua West, Ali’imalemanu Moti Alofa Tu’u’au as elected, will prolong the current political stalemate and is seen as a desperate attempt by HRPP to remain in power.

The Warrant of Election of the HRPP member in the last parliament was signed by the Head of State and publicized by the Office of the Electoral Commissioner (OEC) after 900 last night.

In a public notice, OEC said the election of the woman candidate was made by activating Article 44 (1A) of the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa as 10% of women members in parliament was not met following the general election.

The Commissioner said that only 9.8% of women membership was achieved after the general election.

Following the general election, five women members were declared elected, 2 for HRPP and 3 for the FAST party. But in a 51 seat parliament, 10% means 5.1 members.

The notice of Aliimalemanu’s election last night, gives HRPP 26 seats  However, Independent Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio is expected to announce his decision today on which party he is to join.

If Tuala joins FAST, then it will be a further 26-26 tie as the election of the sixth woman member will have a 52 seat parliament from the current 51.

On the election of women members to parliament, Section 44 of the Constitution (below), states 5 (women members) to avoid doubt.

44. Members of the Legislative Assembly:

(1A) Subject to this Article, women Members of the Legislative Assembly shall:

(a) consist of a minimum of 10% of the Members of the Legislative Assembly specified under clause (1) which for the avoidance of doubt is presently 5;

Section 44 (1B) (a) (1) says the prescribed number of women candidates (if any) with the highest number of votes shall become additional members.

According to the official election results declared last Friday, the woman member declared as elected, Ali’imalemanu Moti Alofa Tu’u’au polled 464 votes in the Alataua Sisifo constituency.

However, another woman candidate To’omata Norah Leota polled 780 votes for the Anoama’a 2 constituency.

These latest developments as the country waits for a new government to be installed, certainly opens the door for legal challenges on the constitutionality of the latest members election and will further prolong the process.

Meanwhile, the FAST Leader, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa is scheduled to make a special announcement during a press conference at 5.00 this evening.

FAST Leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa is making a special announcement at 5 this evening.