Clerk yet to receive notice from Head of State to convene Parliament

Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei.

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 20 MAY 2021: The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei issued a public clarification last night that “the Legislative Office not received an official notice from the Office of the Head of State as of the date for Parliament to convene for its State Opening.”

This followed media reports yesterday afternoon based on the FAST Party Leader Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa’s media statement after meeting the Head of State yesterday afternoon.

“I am pleased to advise that the Deputy Leader, La’auli Leuatea and I met this afternoon with His Highness the Head of State, who has agreed to convene Parliament, and we have respectfully requested that this take place on Friday 21^st May so that the votes cast by all of you on 9 April 2021 (now almost 6 weeks ago), can be finally brought to their ultimate conclusion by the swearing in of the Members of Parliament whom you wish to lead this country for the next five years,” said Fiame’s statement.

According to the Office of the Legislative Assembly, “Our Office remains vigilant as we anticipate such notice from His Highness. I confirm, upon receiving the Head of State’s Proclamation, we shall act accordingly and publish it for public information no later than tomorrow.”