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Samoa’s first female PM sworn in a tent after she was locked out of Parliament

Published

5 years ago

May 25, 2021

Samoa’s first female Prime Minister has been sworn in. But Naomi Mataʻafa’s ceremony took place in a tent as she was locked out of the nation’s Parliament.

The Prime Minister is embroiled in a power struggle with the country’s longstanding leader, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi. He has been in power for over two decades.

The newly-elected leader of the Faith in the One True God Party (FAST) said the dramatic turn of events follows a “bloodless coup”. It also comes after weeks of uncertainty following a deadlocked election last month.

While FAST went ahead with the swearing-in ceremony, it is still unclear how legitimate the proceedings will be. However, Samoa’s Supreme Court ruled the order of canceling the parliamentary sitting as “unlawful.”

The Prime Minister’s narrow election victory is set to end almost 40 years of rule by the Human Rights Protection Party.

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Costa Haritos

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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