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“The Rule of Law Prevailed and Declared Over Our Land” Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa
FAST Party Leader, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa said it was an extraordinary day for Samoa.
Staff Reporters
APIA, SAMOA – 18 MAY 2021: Following FAST’s double victory in the Supreme Court yesterday, party leader, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa acknowledges the extent of the decisions and her expectation for Parliament to convene and also calls on the public servants to remain impartial in the performance of their duties.
“Today was an extraordinary day for Samoa,” she said in an address streamed live last night.
“Today was the day that the Rule of Law prevailed and was declared over our land.
“Today all confusion, all uncertainty and the created ‘deadlock’ was broken by the Court, along with all attempts to undermine the votes of the people.
“Today was a celebration of the way in which a dispute over what is right, should and can be resolved in a peaceful and ordered manner.
“In fact we honoured and used the process set out for us all, in the Constitution, to ask the Supreme Court to decide whether what was done was right, whether it was according to the law, and whether it was legal.”
“We filed these two cases because we felt that what was done, was wrong and was not in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral law.
“In doing so we placed our complete faith and confidence in firstly, the strength and independence of the judiciary: His Honour the Chief Justice, and the Judges of the Supreme Court; secondly through this Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and its registrars and staff, the impartial and robust administration of justice.
“We now have answers to our cries for relief.
“The Supreme Court has now pronounced the Law. We all must now obey and act in accordance with the Law.”
Convening the first session of Parliament
“FAST will now invite the Clerk of Parliament to make the arrangements to convene the first session of Parliament after the conduct of the general elections on 9 April and the Warrants of Election which declared 51 Members of Parliament as the representatives you wish to lead this country for the next five years under my leadership as Prime Minister Elect.
“We invite all the CEO’s and the staff of the Public Service, to undertake their duties independently and impartially as we transition to a new administration and to ensure that process is smooth and efficient.
“There will be no election this Friday 21st May, instead I expect a meeting of Parliament to be convened immediately, with all the flexibility now given to us to do so under the Emergency Orders.
“I thank the people of Samoa for their patience, forbearance and dignity, during unsettled times as I and the FAST Party look forward to the opportunity to lead our country through these pressing times.
“I thank the people of Samoa who are here, and the Samoan Diaspora who have been keenly following from all around the world.
“Your prayers in particular, and your good and kind wishes for your country, have eased the burden for those of us who are here, and given us the strength and courage to keep on seeking: what is true, what is right, and what is provisioned especially for our people.
“May God continue to bless Samoa and all Her People.”
