Remove the 10% Quota & Let Women Compete on Merits

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 22 JUNE 2022: One of the key issues in the Terms of Reference of the Commission of Inquiry now reviewing the Electoral Act & Election Process, is women in politics and how the current 10% quota can assist ensure women’s voice remains in Parliament.

The four electoral constituencies of Vaimauga 1, 2, 3 and 4 have had their say in last week’s consultations and the majority of those who spoke on the issue, urged members of the Commission of Inquiry, to remove the 10% quota and allow women to compete with men for their constituencies parliamentary seats on their own merits.

Their opinions were based on the belief that the current 10% formula has created a lot of problems and confusion after last years’ general elections.

Faatagata Taualofa of Vaimauga No 3 told the Commission that it was a good initiative when it started but it was open to political manipulation to secure party seats. He argued that the system has reduced the respect for a woman who comes through the 10% quota versus the elected member of a respective constituency. Taualofa argued that the status of both members are not the same.

Piti Seumanutafa of Apia supports the view that women should be elected on merits. “We have a woman Prime Minister and a woman Minister for Finance for the first time and they did it on their own merits.”

Ane Uele of Faatoia said given what happened in the women members after last year’s general election, the 10% quota has become a joke and has belittled the respect for women.

Others believe there should be further clarity in the law for the 10% calculation.

Limit the number to 5
One of the key aspect voiced during consultation was the method used to calculate the 10% of 51 seats which came to 6 and they referred to the slogan “only in Samoa” calculation.

The supporters believe that if the 10% formula continues to exist then it must be limited to 5 members.

National Representatives
Other speakers suggested to distinguish the status of women members appointed under the 10% quota as a National Representative for Women but not for a specific constituency.

“There should be a provision in the Act to identify her specific role and target so as not to clash with that of the duly elected member from a respective constituency,” said Fatalagi Young of Apia.

Drop the 10% & take the woman with the highest votes
Other speakers were very vocal in attacking the electoral system altogether.

The simple solution they offered was to take the woman with the highest votes because the 10% is unfair and is a “political tactic” especially when there is a disparity in the population of all constituencies.

Former public servant, Lealasola Auelua Samuelu Enari said the women quota is aligned with UN aid for women development.

The 10% aligns with the UN assistance for women
The former Public Service Commissioner, Lealasola Auelua Samuelu Enari has a different perspective in supporting the 10% quota.

“The 10% aligns with the United Nations assistance through various areas for women development and Samoa will benefit from it,” said Lealasola.

He said people should look beyond the Government and consider the assistance gained from such support unless there is a better option.

However, other speakers did not agree with efforts to please the United Nations and other donor partners when it comes to Samoan politics.

Taofiga Leasuasu Fuimaono of Apia said he appreciated foreign assistance but such aid should not cloud people’s minds to what is really important in the society.

“Samoan culture gives high regard and respect to our women, their contribution,” said Taofiga. “Women have also been bestowed chiefly titles, sit and make decisions for their families and villages and there’s a special national holiday for Samoan women, so we don’t need a 10% quota to seek recognition of our women,” he argued.

Another speaker said Samoa is the first country used to pilot the push for women in Parliament using a percentage quota.

They argued to give women the right to have their voice and not to please the UN or other overseas donors.

Samoa’s Parliament has 51 seats but with the activation of the 10% quota, the number of seats has increased to 54 with 2 women parliamentarians appointed under the formula and one under a different section of the constitution.