Samoa’s Parliament Rejects Vote of No Confidence against Prime Minister and Cabinet

February 25, 2025

1661

The vote of no confidence put forth by the opposition leader against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and her Cabinet was rejected by Parliament.

Leader of the opposing Human Rights Protection Party, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi tabled the motion alleging that Prime Minister Fiame no longer commanded a majority in Parliament due to a fallout between her and the ruling party Chairman La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.

The ruling FAST party stood united to reject the HRPP motion, with 34 members voting against it while 15 HRPP members stood behind the vote of no cconfidence.

MP for Sagaga 2 (Afega, Tuanai, Malie) – Maulolo Leaula Tavita Uelese Amosa, chose to abstain from voting.

MPs who Voted FOR the motion (15)

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, Lenatai Victor Tamapua, Alaiasa Sepulona Moananu, Sulamanaia Tauiliili Tuivasa, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers..

Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau, Leaana Ronnie Posini, Aiono Tile Gafa, Fuaava Suluimalo Amataga, Tologata Tile Leia, Faagasealii Feagiai, Loau Keneti Sio and Peseta Vaifou Tevaga.

MPs who voted AGAINST the motion (34)

Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, Matamua Vasati Pulufana, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, Olo Fiti Vaai, Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo, Valasi Tafito Selesele, Faualo Harry Schuster, Lagaaia Tiautuau Tufuga, Niuava Eti Malolo, Seuula Ioane..

Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, Auapaau Mulipola Tafua, Tea Tooala Peato, Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa, Seuamuli Fasi Toma, Foisala Tuu Ioane, Fuiono Tenina Crichton, Agaseata Peto, Magele Sekati Fiaui, Maiava Tito Asafo..

UTOS unit prices for February 2025. Invest now in your future.

Fesolai Tuigamala, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, Tuuu Anasii Leota, Fepuleai Faasavalu Sua, Mulipola Anarosa Ale, Toelupe Pou Onesemo, Leota Laki Lamositele, Manuleleua Paletasala, Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe and Ale Vena Ale.

Last month, the ruling FAST party voted to expel Fiame and five Cabinet Ministers from the party after the Prime Minister removed Laaulialemalietoa from Cabinet following charges brought against him relating to fabricating evidence, conspiracy to commit an offence, defamation and harassment using electronic means. FAST Party Chair Laaulialemalietoa maintains his innocense and says the truth shall prevail.

Today in Parliament, the FAST party set aside the rift between Fiame and Laauli, and joined together to vote in favour of keeping Fiame Noami Mataafa as Prime Minister.

The Constituion of Samoa

The Constitution of Samoa provides that the Prime Minister is appointed by the Head of State, as the member of the Legislative Assembly who enjoys the confidence of a majority in the Legislative Assembly (Article 32 (2) (a)). Ih Samoa’s Parliament of 53 members, the majority is represented by at least 27.

The Prime Minister may only be removed from Office by the Legislative Assembly (Article 33 (2) (b)).

According to Samoa’s Constitution, if a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister had been carried, the Prime Minister can then advise the Head of State to dissolve the Legislative Assembly, and return the country to hold general elections.