Cabinet moves to remove the Speaker and Deputy Speaker

Apia, Samoa – 7 March 2025 – Cabinet has submitted a motion to remove the Speaker, Papalii Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u and Deputy Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua to be tabled and discussed in todays’ parliament session.

The move follows a similar motion dated 5 March moved by the Minister of Works, Olo Fiti Vaai and seconded by the Minister of Justice, Matamua Vasati Pulufana which was rejected by the Speaker and was not included yesterdays’ order paper.

The motion cites Section 49 of the Constitution that deals with the election of a Speaker and Section 58 that deals with voting in the Legislative Assembly.

In yesterdays’ debate of the FAST no-confidence motion against Cabinet and the Prime Minister, Olo moved a motion of no confidence against the Speaker after Leatinuu and the Prime Minister questioned the Speakers neutrality in conducting the debate.

The Speaker ordered the two Cabinet Ministers out of the House but called them back when the vote was called on the motion.

Grounds for the Motion against the Speaker:

• Conflict of Interest: Olo cited a clear conflict of interest, referring to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s involvement in a letter dated 15 January 2025. In the letter, both signatures were visible, endorsing an attempt by the FAST party to remove the Prime Minister and five other Cabinet Ministers. Olo emphasised that this action directly undermines the impartiality of the Speaker’s office and questions the fairness of the legislative process.

• Undermining Parliament’s Integrity: The Minister expressed concerns that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s actions undermine the integrity of Parliament itself. Their involvement in political maneuvers, such as attempting to remove the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, runs counter to the principles of an independent and balanced legislature.

• Violation of Separation of Powers: Olo argued that the Speaker should have been more cautious and adhered to the separation of powers principle. By signing the letter, the Speaker encroached on executive matters, potentially destabilizing the important balance between the three arms of government.

• Improper Exercise of Discretion: Olo criticised the Speaker’s decision to entertain a second motion of no confidence, despite Parliament already deliberating on it the previous week. Olo noted that this reflects a misuse of the Speaker’s discretion and authority, deviating from established parliamentary procedure and the Standing Orders of Parliament.

• Failure to Uphold Democratic Practices: While acknowledging the opposition’s right to question the government through motions of no confidence, Olo underscored that the Speaker’s actions reflect an irregular application of parliamentary protocols, further evidenced by the fact that the same members who rejected the opposition’s motion of no confidence last week are now bringing forward a second attempt.