Speaker swears in seven new Members of Parliament

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 14 DECEMBER 2021: The seven new Members of Parliament elected in last months by-elections, were sworn in today by the Parliament Speaker, Papalii Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u.

Five of the seven MP’s belong to the ruling Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi – FAST Party and two for the Human Rights Protection Party – HRPP.

The FAST MPs are Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua for Aleipata Itupa i Lalo; Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa – Sagaga 4; Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo – Falealili 2; Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell – Safata 2 and Fuiono Denina Chricton for Falealupo.

The two HRPP MPs are Maulolo Tavita Amosa for Sagaga 2 and Aiono Tile Gafa – Aana Alofi 2.

Before the swearing-in, the Speaker read out code of conduct MPs must follow and abide by.

Aana Alofi No 2 MP Aiono Tile Gafa (3rd from left) and family members.

The seven MPs make up 51 seats of parliament however the two additional women members were not sworn in on a decision by the Speaker that their status is being challenged in court. The Opposition HRPP is also challenging the Speakers decision in court.

The two HRPP members sworn in this morning also face legal challenges alleging bribery and treating in last months by elections.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa congratulated the new MPs and the support of their constituencies.

Sagaga No 2 MP Maulolo Tavita Amosa with relatives.

The Opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi also acknowledged the new MPs before expressing his disappointment with the Speakers decision not to swear in the two women members who were already appointed by the Head of State.

The Speaker said the matter is in court and the former Prime Minister then wished everyone well for the festive season.

Also tabled in parliament today were the Supplementary Budget for 2021/2022 and the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2021 that will abolish the requirement for church ministers to pay income taxes.

Parliament has been adjourned to 18 January 2022.

Falealupo MP, Fuiono Denina Crichton (middle) with family members.