Explainer: The Saga Of Samoa's State Affairs And What Comes Next
The year 2025 was only days old when Samoa's political system hit turbulence., RNZ Pacific Journalist
The year 2025 was only days old when Samoa's political system hit turbulence.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa removed La'auli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in the second week of January.
A government statement said this matter arose following the formal announcement of allegations implicating the minister.
La'auli faced several criminal charges, and speculation raged in Samoa and on social media, prompting the police commissioner to clarify the charges against him.
Fiame removed several more ministers before La'auli – still the chairman of FAST – turned around and sacked the prime minister from her own party.
The Samoan diaspora in New Zealand expressed their concerns, holding a prayer gathering in Auckland earlier this year.
Fiame faced two votes of no confidence, her first on 25 February and her second on 6 March.
But last month she conceded defeat after her government's budget was voted down.
MPs from both the opposition Human Rights Protection Party and Fiame's former FAST party joined forces to defeat the budget with the final vote coming in 34 against, 16 in support and 2 abstentions.
Who is involved
Prime Minister Fiame led a faction of 15 MPs, including notable figures like now-former deputy prime minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio.
The other FAST party faction is led by La'auli, while long-serving opposition leader and former prime minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, heads the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).
In 2021, La'auli stepped aside to allow Fiame to lead the FAST party during the elections.
Both FAST and HRPP ended with 25 candidates each, which prompted independent MP Ponifasio to become a pivotal figure by aligning with FAST, resulting in Fiame becoming Samoa's first female prime minister.
What happens next
Samoa's Parliament was formally dissolved on 3 June and the country is heading to an early election.
Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Stanley had sought an additional six weeks to aide in preparations but this was declined by the Supreme Court on 5 June.
RNZ Pacific correspondent Galumalemana Tipi Autagavaia attended the hearing.
Chief justice Satiu Simativa Perese said there was a big gap in the constitution that conflicts with the Electoral Act, and his advice was for the next government to look at this.
The Electoral Commissioner informed local media after the court hearing, in the presence of Galumalemana, that the election date is set for 29 August.
He indicated that the electoral roll will close at the end of June.
The head of state will provide official confirmation next Tuesday with a formal writ detailing the election date and the deadline for closing the election roll.
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