Way Now Clear for Samoa to Have its First Woman Prime Minister

Samoa’s First Woman Prime Minister elect, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa to form her Government on Monday.

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 21 MAY 2021: The way is now clear for Samoa to have her first woman Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa to officially install her government when the 17th Parliament meets on Monday 24 May 2021.

This follows the Court of Appeals decision at midday today that dismissed the caretaker government’s motion to stay the execution of the Supreme Court decision on Monday that dismissed the appointment of an HRPP woman candidate and caused a 26-26 seats hung parliament.

Today’s decision means Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa’s FAST party has a confirmed majority of 26 seats to 25 for HRPP and can now form a government when parliament meets on Monday.

The Electoral Commissioner appealed Monday’s decision of the Supreme Court that ruled the appointment of the HRPP woman candidate, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau was invalid.

The appointment by the Head of State of Ali’imalemanu who lost her seat in the 9 April general election, caused a 26-26 tie of seats in parliament. This result was later declared void by the Head of State on 4 May 2021 and also called for new elections.

The Supreme Court on Monday this week declared the Head of State had no power to call for new elections.

More details later………