Samoa’s Democracy on Lockdown

By Lance Polu

APIA, SAMOA – 24 MAY 2021:  Samoa’s Parliament doors have been locked down and guarded by police in another attempt to delay and not hold the first parliament session to swear in new parliamentarians following 9 April general elections and the formation of a new government to be led by the first female Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa.

The Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese has stepped in to uphold the rule of law and walked from his Chambers across parliament grounds and accompanied by other members of the judiciary, to confirm that parliament is really locked.

Scheduled for 9.30 this morning, the Head of State who made the first announcement for parliament to convene this morning did not attend. The former Speaker of parliament also made the announcement last night that the swearing ceremony was not proceeding. Reports said that he took the parliament keys last night.

The Clerk of the House, Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei came and informed the FAST Party leaders, elected members, members of the clergy and the supporters who gathered in a tent just outside the parliament entrance, that his hands are tied as he listens to his instructions.

FAST Part leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa told the 300 plus people gathered “that you have seen now what is happening to our country. That the people have been denied entrance to their house through their representatives they elected in the House.”

The parliament grounds had a heavy police presence but the crowd was well controlled.

Fiame told those gathered to leave it to her and the Party for other legal options moving forward.