A new era has dawned in Samoa with the swearing-in of three women MPs, taking the number of women in the Legislative Assembly to seven. The swearing-in follows a court ruling issued by Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese, Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, and Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.
The new MPs – Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tuuau, Faagasealii Sapoa Feagai of the Human Rights Protection Party, and Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi member To’omata Norah Leota – increase the number of seats in the House to 54.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa congratulated the women and welcomed them saying it had not been an easy journey so far.
Mata’fa said in the end, the purpose of the law was to allow more women representatives in Parliament.
The Speaker Papalii Lio Masipau administer the oath of allegiance for three additional women in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Papalii welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court to install the three additional women to fulfil a constitutional requirement of 10 percent female representation in the Legislative Assembly.
