Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa has said there are certain legal issues in the Electoral Act that will require guidance from the Judiciary in the preparations for General Elections.
The Prime Minister says the issues are to do with timeframes required for registration of Candidates and Voters.
“This will ensure clarity and legal compliance of all arrangements for the general elections.”
In an effort to clean up Samoa’s Electoral roll, the Office of the Electoral Commission have been rolling out a massive re-registration of all eligible voters.
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE HON. RPIME MINISTER – AFIOGA FIAME NAOMI MATA’AFA
Good afternoon Samoa;
As scheduled for the month of May, Parliament convened yesterday morning in anticipation of commencing discussions on government’s Appropriation Bill for the next financial year 2025-2026.
However, on the motion for the first reading of the Bill, a majority of members of Parliament present opposed the motion for the Bill to proceed to the first stage of passage of legislation.
Earlier, in my ministerial statement I declared before Parliament that the Appropriation Bill that was about to be tabled, was an issue of confidence pursuant to Article 33(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa. I had also alluded to potential mechanisms that Parliament might consider on the issue of confidence in the Prime Minister and Cabinet when deliberating on the Appropriation Bill.
Upon the adjournment of Parliament yesterday, I met the Head of State to advise him of Parliament’s decision. And pursuant to Article 33(2)(b) of the Constitution I tendered my advice to the Head of State to dissolve the Legislative Assembly.
This morning, the Head of State issued a statement to confirm his acceptance of my advice to dissolve Parliament and for the country to hold general elections.
The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to be effective on the 3rd of June 2025.
Cabinet will continue the administration of the Executive Arm as the Caretaker Government until the first session of the Legislative Assembly following dissolution, in accordance with Articles 32 and 33(1) of the Constitution.
There are certain legal issues in the Electoral Act that will require guidance from the Judiciary pertaining to timeframes required for registration of Candidates and Voters.
This will ensure clarity and legal compliance of all arrangements for the general elections.
Priority will also be given to ensuring that the machinery of government continues to function with due consideration of the use of public funds. There are constitutional provisions governing the use of public funds by a caretaker government.
I would like to take this opportunity to convey our greatest appreciation for your prayers and support.
As announced earlier by members of the Independence committee, the Celebrations of Samoa’s 63rd Independence anniversary, will begin with a Thanksgiving Service this Sunday, 1st of June at the Mulivai Cathedral at 6pm.
On Monday, 2nd of June, the flag raising ceremony, followed by the march pass in front of the Government Building – Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II, at Eleele Fou.
It is a time for us to celebrate God’s divine guidance and grace upon our country and people.
God bless Samoa,
SOIFUA.
- Lalaga le Vā Unites more than 300 Urban Community Leaders Against Drugs and Violence - September 8, 2026
- Keith Smith Officially Accredited as Canada’s High Commissioner to Samoa - September 1, 2026
- Diesel and Kerosene Prices Rise in September - September 1, 2026
