Currently, there is a political crisis unfolding in Samoa. Today a new government was sworn in, with Fiame Naomi Mata’afa named Samoa’s first female prime minister. Her Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party was also named as the new government.
However, the formal ceremony had to be held in a tent on Monday after the previous government refused to give up power.
During the ceremony the new MPs’ names were read out, and Li’o Papalii Masipau was confirmed as the new Speaker of the House.
What has happened in Samoa?
On the April 9 an election was held in Samoa. In that election, the FAST Party won the election by 1 seat.
It was the first time since 1982 there had been a change in government. This should have seen Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, sworn in as Prime Minister. The first women leader of Samoa.
However, her victory has not be recognised by the previous Prime Minster Tuilaepa, who had been Prime Minister for 23 years. His Human Rights Protection Party has been in control of Samoa for a long time.
They have locked the Parliament buildings to stop the new government being sworn in. They have even gone against Supreme Court orders giving the election victory to the FAST Party.
Experts believe that this crisis could continue for sometime. With both sides claiming they are the government in Samoa.
2 Responses
Congrats to the first female prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, but its surprising that the old government is against that.
oh wow the new trump