Government Budget Rejected – Parliament Dissolves – Samoa Moves to Snap Elections

May 27, 2025

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Samoa’s Parliament has dissolved after the Government Annual Budget Estimates for 2025/2026 was rejected by 34 votes to 16.

The Human Rights Protection Party Members and the Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party members under the leadership of Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt voted against the Government Budget.

The rules state that the current Government may operate as a Caretaker Adminsitration for a period of three months, with a budget to run Samoa’s government until the results of a general election.

Before the vote, Prime Miinister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa noted that the previous sitting of Parliament saw two votes of no confidence being brought unsuccessfully against the Government.

The Prime Minister pre-empted that the Budget would not be passed, and said that would mean a vote of no-confidence in the Government, and Samoa could move to snap elections if the Budget is not passed.

In relation to a snap elections, Fiame highlighted that the Electoral Roll for Samoa which had been undergoing a re-registration of voters, is only 50% complete.

Fiame also noted discrepencies in current legislation relating to the process of general elections, which would need to be clarified by the Supreme Court before a general election can be held.

in relation to the budget, Fiame said that a Caretaker Government has access to 25% of an annual budget, however, if the elections cannot be held within 3 months, then an issue could arise with the Government budget post 3 months.

Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa stood to thank members of the Legislative Assembly and said her Administration accepts Parliament’s decision. Fiame called for peace amongst Samoa’s parliamentarians as Samoa moves forward from this latest development.

Tuilaepa as leader of the Opposition and Laaulialemalietoa as leader of the FAST party both spoke to call for peace as Samoa moves to prepare for snap elections and go back to the nation to elect its leaders.