Elected leaders of Samoa have declared a coup outside parliament Election news

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Samoa’s elected prime minister, has been ousted from the Pacific national parliament after losing her general election in April after her political rivals refused to seize power.

Mata’afa arrived at the Pacific national parliament on Monday, accompanied by judges, ready to form a new government and be sworn in as the country’s first female prime minister.

But police banned him from entering the legal chamber and the parliamentary secretary said he could only leave parliament by order of the appointed head of state, an ally of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

The events of the fast-paced movement marked the final turning point in the fierce power struggle, with Malielegaoi – who has ruled Samoa for 22 years – renouncing power, although in last month’s vote Mata’afa confirmed the courts won the close election.

Addressing non-parliamentarians, Mata’afa said: “Once upon a time we will meet again, inside this House. Let us leave it to the law.”

Fiame: “It’s like this. We’re not going to weaken our people. Let’s keep going and then we can leave. Let me decide what happened today. Thank you for being here, thank you for helping God and the rule of law based on the rule of law.” pic.twitter.com/YaS2NItv6b

– Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson (@lagipoiva) May 23, 2021

When the police banned the elected prime minister from entering parliament, Malielegaoi gave a press conference claiming that his government was still in office.

“There is only one government in Samoa, even if it is just a surveillance government,” he said. “We continue in that role and we do business as usual.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is observing the cultural protocol and recognizes the main hierarchy, the judiciary, the executive and others.
He appreciates the peace that has prevailed.
He is speaking from the HRPP headquarters.
“HRPP’s voice is peace from the beginning.” pic.twitter.com/jqCvcV6lBM

– Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson (@lagipoiva) May 23, 2021

Samoa, an island nation with a population of 220,000, plunged into crisis when the April 9 elections ended in a 25-25 draw between Mata’afa’s FAST party and Malielegaoi’s Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) with an independent candidate.

The election commissioner intervened, appointing another HRPP candidate to adapt to the constitutional provisions that supposedly set the minimum quota for women in parliament. The independent candidate, meanwhile, chose to go with FAST, making it 26-26.

“Illegal Purchase”

Malielegaoi then persuaded the nation’s head of state, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, to call a May 21 second election.

FAST appealed and the Supreme Court ruled last week against the nominated candidate and his intentions for the new election, with Mata’afa’s party regaining a 26-25 majority.

Sualauvi has responded by canceling parliament and appears to have refused to rescind the order despite the Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday.

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese led a procession of Supreme Court judges to swear in the new parliament on Monday. When they find the door locked the judges turn around and go back to court.

Samoa’s High Court of Justice closed the doors of Parliament this morning 24 hours after the head of state decided to suspend Parliament on Saturday night.

Incredible picture @anetonesagaga tik @ samoaobserver pic.twitter.com/4TgkoCtZO2

– Tali Aualiitia (@taliaualiitia) May 23, 2021

Mata’afa and hundreds of followers spent about an hour singing and giving lectures on parliamentary lands.

The Prime Minister-elect has previously accused Malielegaoi of threatening Samoa’s democracy.

“This is taking on an illegal government, that is a coup,” he told New Zealand Newshub on Sunday.

“We have to fight this because we want to keep this country as a democratically governed country, based on the rule of law.”

As the constitutional crisis escalates, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she expects “calm and quiet heads” to prevail.

“We are in favor of Samoan democracy and we would call on others to do the same,” Ardern told TVNZ.

“Of course, now it’s a difficult crossroads, this is a big change for Samoa compared to what it has been like in the elections for 20 years.

“Our call would be to maintain and defend the rule of law.”

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne expressed similar sentiments.

“Australia values ​​our close friendship with Samoa. It is important that all parties respect the rule of law and democratic processes, ”he tweeted.

“We believe in Samoan institutions including the judiciary.”

Samoa gained independence in 1962 after nearly 50 years of protectorate in New Zealand and has already been in power since 1982, in the 1986-87 short coalition.