Court adjourns HRPP challenge to await vote of no confidence outcome

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 25 February 2025 – The hearing of the HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s legal challenge against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa leading a minority government has been adjourned to Thursday.

This was after counsel representing Fiame applied for the adjournment which was supported by counsels for the FAST party and Parliament Speaker Papalii Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u

The adjournment was based on Parliament dealing with a vote of no confidence motion proposed by Tuilaepa against Fiame and Cabinet to be dealt by Parliament this morning.

Tuilaepa’s motion seeks a court declaration if Fiame is leading a minority Government and if so, to declare Fiame’s position as Prime Minister vacant.

When asked for the progress of the case, counsel for Fiame said it depends on Parliament’s decision on the vote of no confidence hence the application for an adjournment.

We will know how to progress after Parliament, said Fiame’s counsel.

Counsel for Tuilaepa Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu did not oppose the application.

Outside court, Fuimaono clarified that before, the Speaker did not wish to discuss the vote of confidence in Parliament but has since changed his position and will find out the outcome when Parliament sits.

Tuilaepa has publicly been calling for Fiame to resign as Prime Minister given that she does not have the majority support of the FAST party.

Tuilaepa has joined the FAST party leader, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao’s call for Fiame to step down.

Fiame has told Tuilaepa to take his fight inside parliament as the proper place to clarify is she still has the confidence of parliament to lead the government.