Sāmoa Parliament formally dissolved, elections expected within three months

Sāmoa is due for an election in the next three months following the dissolution of its Parliament.

This follows a period of political instability after Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa's Budget was rejected last week with a decisive 34 votes against, 16 in support and two abstentions.

Members of Parliament from both the opposition Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and Prime Minister Fiamē’s former FAST Party joined forces to reject her government’s budget.

Fiamē previously warned she would call for the dissolution if the Cabinet failed to support the budget.

The political turmoil began shortly after the New Year, when a split in the FAST Party led Fiamē to remove FAST Party Chairman La'auli Leuatea Schmidt and several other FAST ministers from her Cabinet.

La'auli then expelled Fiamē from FAST, forcing her to govern with a minority government.

Despite this, Fiamē successfully defended two no-confidence motions.

She first defeated a challenge from former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and overcame another motion brought by La'auli shortly after.

Following the defeat of her budget, Fiamē advised the Head of State to dissolve Parliament, which was accepted.

Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa is a Sāmoan politician and High Chief who has served as the seventh Prime Minister of Sāmoa since 2021. Photo/Government of Sāmoa

In a statement issued by the Office of the Speaker, Papali'i Li'o Oloipola Taeu Masipau emphasised that while Parliament has dissolved, Sāmoa's legislative functions continue under legal provisions.

He cited Section 30 of the Legislative Powers and Privileges Ordinance 1960, highlighting that the appointments of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker remain active until the next Parliament convenes or new appointments are made.

Susuga La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt is a Sāmoan politician and businessman. Photo/FAST Party Facebook

“The Speaker shall continue to carry out his legal duties, including safeguarding the integrity of Parliament, ensuring the proper conduct of its proceedings and overseeing preparations for the convening of the next Parliament,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Sāmoa's Electoral Commissioner has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, seeking additional time and legal guidance to complete the electoral roll in preparation for the early election.

A hearing on this matter will take place today.

Until the election results and the formation of a new government, Sāmoa’s Parliament remains in caretaker mode.

Watch the Sāmoa government Budget debate below.