Page 13 - IB July 2021

Samoa

FIAME PREVAILS

“IT’S A NEW DAY”
By Samantha Magick

“Can I offer my deepest gratitude to you, the people of
Samoa, and in particular acknowledge the dignity with which
you have waited with patience and forbearance, peacefully
and respectfully, for the court process to be concluded.”
These were the words offered by Samoa’s new Prime Min- Samoa’s new
ister, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, after Samoa’s Court of Prime Minister,
Afioga Fiame
Appeal declared that the swearing in of the 26 members of Naomi Mata’afa
her Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) political party
on May 24 was legal.
The decision by the panel comprising the Chief Justice, Sa-
tiu Simativa Perese, Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa and Justice
Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, finally brought an end to the
impasse that began after the April elections. It also ended
22 years of rule by former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele
Malielegaoi.
After the April poll, FAST and Tuilaepa’s Human Rights everywhere in the world for their prayers for peace, justice
Protection Party were separated by just one seat, however a and humility.”
succession of legal challenges led to FAST widening that lead. A succession of leaders have now congratulated Fiame and
FAST members subsequently held a swearing in ceremony her government. New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern called it a
in the grounds of parliament after the doors were locked to “historic moment for Samoa’s democracy.” Australian Prime
them. Minister Scott Morrison also offered his congratulations, saying
In its judgement, the Court of Appeal questioned the behav- he looks forward to working closely with Fiame’s government
iour of the Head of State during the long impasse, saying “The “to strengthen our longstanding partnership”.
Head of State’s assertion that the Supreme Court has no juris- “We commend the institutions of the Samoan Government
diction to order the convening of Parliament is misconceived. and the Samoan people for their patience and for allowing the
“As we found, the Head of State has shown a basic lack of democratic, constitutional and legal processes to take their
understanding of his Constitutional role and equally basic lack proper course,” reads the statement.
of understanding about the role of the Supreme Court and Fiji’s Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said that Samoa stands
the scope of the Court’s powers under the Constitution,” the at the cusp of greatness as Prime Minister Mata’afa ascends
judgement stated. to the high office as the first female Prime Minister and that
Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi finally he looks forward to working with her to strengthen bilateral
called for the convening of parliament following the handing relations. Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna
down of this ruling. commended the Samoan people “for allowing the demo-
cratic, constitutional, and legal processes to take their proper
International support course. As espoused under the Biketawa Declaration, it is
“You have been strong in claiming the peace which comes important for Samoa and our region that all is done to uphold
from faith, from the deep love for your country, and love for respect for the rule of law, democratic process, and the
your families and villages and districts,” Prime Minister Fiame peaceful transfer of power.” Commonwealth Secretary-Gen-
told her supporters after the decision. eral, Patricia Scotland welcomed the court’s ruling, saying “In
“My administration is committed to returning this country these past months I have also been reassured by the conduct
to the special place dreamt of by our forefathers when they of the people of Samoa, which has shown the world that the
grabbed the mantle of independence almost 60 years ago.” values of our Commonwealth are indeed alive in society.”
As we went to print, the new government has begun meet- Many of the leaders also acknowledged the contribution of
ing with CEOs of several government ministries. Fiame said Tuilaepa over his long tenure. Initially, local media reported
she was hearted by their commitment to their duties as public him as calling the Court of Appeal decision “unconstitutional
servants and desire for a smooth transition of power. and disrespectful” before he eventually conceded defeat.
“This is a time for renewal, reconciliation and a time Prime Minister Fiame indicated her desire to convene
for national restoration. Our country has been ‘shaken and parliament the week after the judgement was delivered in
stirred’ but totally supported through challenging times, by order to consider a budget to ensure the ongoing operations
our absolute belief and commitment in God’s plans to prosper of government.
and not harm us, and that love ultimately prevails and I thank
our faith leaders in all our denominations, and our people editor@islandsbusiness.com

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