Sāmoa’s political future unclear as Parliament reconvenes

The future of key political figures, including the Prime Minister, is expected to be clarified today in Sāmoa as parliament meets for the first time this year.

This follows weeks of extensive changes to Cabinet and Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party leadership, including a vote to oust Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa from her own party along with five other cabinet members, a move that has been challenged.

Political scientist Dr Christina La'ala'ai-Tausa says the Speaker of the House, Papali’i Li’o Masipau, will have a critical role in addressing procedural and constitutional decisions.

“Particularly in clarifying the positions of the key political figures in the last few days, and these include the Prime Minister and the five other members sacked from the FAST party.

“We’ll also find out today if they’ll remain as MPs or whether they’ll be asked to vacate their seats and return to by-elections.”

On Monday, the newly appointed FAST party leader, La’auli Leauatea Schmidt, said the party had no intention of burdening the country with a snap election and had decided not to push for a vote of no confidence.

This was echoed by the Speaker of the House, who told the Samoa Observer that the development of the ruling party was an “internal issue”.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, La’ala’ai-Tausa said Fiame’s position as Prime Minister was unchallenged, for now.

Watch Dr Christina La'ala'ai-Tausa's full interview below.

“She is a seasoned politician and her priority will be to ensure stability at this time.

“Until Parliament declares that she's no longer fit for the role today, Fiame remains as the Prime Minister, although the falling out creates a situation that is complex where her leadership and ability to command majority support in Parliament may be tested.

“Her ability to stick to her decisions based on accountability, on transparency, and the rule of law may also provide an opportunity for her in Parliament to get more support than she initially envisioned, particularly from the HRPP party.”

La’ala’ai-Tausa says politicians should prioritise national integrity over political self-preservation, adding that the best outcome for Sāmoa will show transparency, accountability and a unified goal to uphold democracy.

“We are human at times, right, and things can get the best or worst of us, but FAST can turn this around rather quickly, and they can do so by focussing on unity and demonstrating to the country some kind of leadership that prioritises the national interests of the country rather than individual ones.

“Ideally, a scenario that involves getting some clarity on the status of the MP sacked by the FAST party as per the constitution and as well as a reaffirmation of parliamentary leadership

Sāmoa Prime Minister Fiamē Noami Mata'afa stripped La'auli Leauatea Schmidt of his cabinet portfolio earlier this month. Photo/Government of Sāmoa livestream

“And a degree of commitment from individuals from parliamentarians that they will work in unity for the interests of the country and not just one political party.”

A divided diaspora

Political tensions have erupted across social media comment sections, with local media concerned about online abuse, including death threats directed at journalists.

La’ala’ai-Tausa said along with economic influence through remittances, Sāmoan communities overseas wield significant influence in shaping public opinion back home.

“So votes-wise, the impact is very little, but their impact emotionally is huge … particularly their influence on how their people and how their families and friends in Samoa, you know, could vote should there be a snap election.”

A quick recap

In late December, Fiame asked La’auli Leauatea Schmidt to step down from Cabinet while facing criminal charges of harassment and conspiracy.

Sāmoa's new Cabinet Ministers. From left, Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga, Niuava Eti Malolo, Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai, and Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua. Photo/Talamua Online, Sāmoa Observer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Sāmoa Observer - Vaitogi Asuisui Matafeo. Photo/File

La’auli refused and maintained his innocence, but Fiame followed procedure and pulled his Cabinet portfolio in early January, dismissing three other Cabinet members.

Last week, FAST party members voted to expel Fiamē and five of her loyal cabinet members, and La'auli was named party leader. The following day, Fiame gave 13 associate ministers their marching orders.

A government statement said the decision was due to a “loss of confidence in the Prime Minister’s ability to work with her cabinet and the ministers’ lack of trust in her leadership”.

Independent journalist Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson said La’auli's playbook echoed that of the returning US President, Donald Trump.

“The power that La’auli has, the following that he has is very much like the way that Trump has utilised his following, very loyal supporters globally, and also the use of social media.

“All of his announcements have been on Facebook Live with constant updates to his followers throughout this turmoil.”

Cross-party talks

Fiame privately met with opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi on Friday in an unusual move of cross-party harmony.

La’ala’ai-Tausa said this signals to the public and FAST that there are attempts to stabilise the political landscape.

“If it's not between Fiamē and her old FAST party, it could be between Fiamē and her old HRPP party as well.

“So implications would include governance arrangements in terms of negotiations and building a coalition and we could potentially see some practical ways to resolve the situation in Sāmoa.”

But La'auli criticised this meeting, saying it “contradicts the shared goal of change that brought the current government to power”.