Samoa's Political Shift: New Leadership Emerges Amid Discord

Wellington, Sep 8 (AP) Samoa's political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the incumbent ruling party prepares to maintain its hold on power with a new leader. The transition follows the electoral defeat of the nation's first female prime minister amid ongoing political discord. FAST, the party formerly led by the ousted Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, retains its parliamentary majority, ensuring it will continue to govern Samoa when Parliament reconvenes on September 16. However, leadership has shifted, paving the way for La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt to ascend as the anticipated new prime minister after internal strife marred the party this year. Fiame, who held the prime ministerial post since 2021, removed La'aulialemalietoa from his ministerial role in January after he faced criminal charges. In retaliation, as FAST party chairman, he expelled her from the party. Her minority government struggled before collapsing in May due to an inability to pass the budget, prompting an early election ahead of the scheduled 2026 vote. In August’s election, Fiame sought to regain leadership under the new Samoa Uniting Party, but her efforts were curtailed when her party secured only three parliamentary seats. FAST emerged victorious with 30 seats, while the Human Rights Protection Party captured 14, and independents took four. Samoa's ceremonial Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, announced that Parliament will convene on September 16 to confirm the new prime minister. Facing insufficient numbers to form a parliamentary bloc, Fiame and her two legislators must decide whether to align with a larger group or operate as independents. The Human Rights Protection Party's leader, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi—who served as prime minister for 22 years prior to Fiame—was another contender for the role. The election outcome faces legal challenges, with FAST's rivals alleging vote-buying practices, as reported by the Samoa Observer. Renate Rivers, a senior journalist with Pacific Media Network, highlighted the extent of the alleged misconduct. Legal disputes over election results are not uncommon in Samoa, where Fiame’s ascension in 2021 occurred amid a turbulent legal environment. Meanwhile, La'aulialemalietoa, who denies the charges of harassment, defamation, and perverting justice against him, bears a unique legal burden as he steps into the prime minister's role. The campaign was dominated by discussions on the cost of living, with FAST appealing to voters by pledging to decentralize government control and bolster local community budgets, alongside promising tax reductions. Critics, however, question the financial viability of these plans. Rivers notes the electoral results mark a dramatic shift from Samoa's historical dynastic leadership, with La'aulialemalietoa expected to direct attention domestically, potentially setting the nation on a different trajectory within the geopolitically significant South Pacific region. Fiame, a trailblazer as Samoa’s first female prime minister and daughter of a former Samoan leader, was cautious over engaging with Chinese loans for infrastructural development. This fiscal conservatism addressed concerns about Samoa's significant debt to China, aligning with broader regional considerations about Chinese influence. With her departure, Samoa sees the end of an era for an exemplary woman in Pacific politics. The nation's legislative assembly, bound by law to ensure at least 10 percent female representation, narrowly missed this mandate; consequently, an additional parliamentary seat may be created to meet the quota. (AP)

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