The Samoan cabinet has assumed the role of the caretaker government until a new government is elected and convenes its first parliamentary sitting, after the Head of State accepted the advice from Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
Mata’afa met with the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, on Tuesday to dissolve Parliament, allowing the country to head back to the polls after the national budget was defeated.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday morning, the Head of State confirmed being advised by the Prime Minister that the Appropriation Bill for the government budget 2025-2026 could not proceed to the first reading in Parliament.
During that meeting, he said she also advised him that it is necessary to dissolve Parliament so the country can proceed to the general elections.
“I have accepted the Prime Minister’s advice,” Tuimalealiifano added.
“Accordingly, a formal notice will be duly gazetted to confirm the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. Pursuant to Articles 32(1) and 33(1) of the Constitution, the cabinet continues to have the general direction and control of the executive government of Samoa, until the first session of the Legislative Assembly following dissolution.”
Meanwhile, one of the Pacific’s only female leaders has lost her grip on power, triggering an early election in Samoa, after failing to pass the national budget in the country’s parliament.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa conceded defeat on the floor of parliament on Tuesday morning after her government’s budget was voted down 34-16.
“The necessary processes have been completed and parliament’s decision is clear,” she said.
Known as the Pacific’s “Iron lady”, Mata’afa will lead Samoa as its caretaker leader until Samoans go to the polls for an early election.
Her announcement follows months of political instability and infighting between the prime minister and members of her former party, the FAST Party, which expelled her earlier in the year.
The expulsion came after Mata’afa forced the resignation of her former colleague and chairman of the FAST Party, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, after he was charged with serious criminal offences.
Schmidt then isolated Mata’afa, meaning she was effectively leading the country in minority government.
After a series of unsuccessful no-confidence motions — where Mata’afa’s marital status was also questioned.
Schmidt and Samoa’s official opposition party, led by former long-term prime minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi, succeeded in bringing about an early election.
Deputy head of the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University (ANU), George Carter, said no matter the outcome of the upcoming election, Mata’afa would leave behind an impressive legacy.
“She is someone who brought about change and transformation, who defeated a party that was in power for 40 years,” he said.
“She is a leader who has used all political and traditional capital to bring people together to fight for anti-corruption and built confidence in her public service.”
Mata’afa won a groundbreaking election in 2021, ending four decades of rule by the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), led by Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi, becoming the first woman head of government in Samoa.
If she were to lose the election, it would make Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine the only remaining female leader in the Pacific region.
However, Dr Carter said Mata’afa’s political career was far from over.
“Many will watch to see if a new party under Fiame will come forth, so there’s still a lot of action and intrigue to come,” he said.