In another twist to the ongoing political turmoil that has gripped Samoa over the past week, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has been removed from the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party. 

The decision comes amid tensions following Fiame’s removal of Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, from his Cabinet post due to criminal charges filed against him.

The upheaval has widened as five other Cabinet ministers—Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio (Deputy Prime Minister), Leatinuu Wayne Fong, Olo Fiti Vaai, Faualo Harry Schuster, and Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster—were also removed from the party. 

Notably, Fiame, Leatinuu, and Olo are among the original members of FAST, highlighting the depth of the internal divisions.

The ruling FAST party, which initially had 35 members, now faces significant internal fractures, with the allegiance of the remaining nine members currently unknown.

The FAST caucus convened three times this week to deliberate on the growing discord within its ranks. 

In a decisive move, members voted to remove Fiame as party leader and the five ministers from its membership. 

Announcing the outcome on social media, FAST Chairman La’auli stated, "The majority of our members have made the decision to remove Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, not only as party leader but also as a member of the party, along with five Cabinet ministers.”

“This decision reflects the party's commitment to maintaining peace and addressing the sensitivity and divisiveness caused by recent events," said La’auli.

Fiame’s dismissal of La’auli came after the Samoa Police filed multiple charges against him on January 3. 

Citing the need to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust, Fiame announced on January 10 that she had offered La’auli the option to voluntarily step down pending investigations. His refusal to resign led her to revoke his ministerial appointments.

The decision triggered a backlash within the FAST party, with calls for Fiame’s leadership to be reviewed. During this week’s meetings, a 20-member majority endorsed her removal.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, La’auli emphasised the move was aimed at preserving party unity and trust.

What Happens Next?

Fiame’s removal from FAST does not immediately affect her position as Prime Minister, but it could have significant constitutional implications.

Under Samoa’s Constitution, a Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of a majority in the Legislative Assembly to remain in office. Article 33(1)(b) states that the office of the Prime Minister becomes vacant if Parliament passes a motion of no confidence against the leader.

However, Section 33 also allows the Prime Minister to request the Head of State to dissolve Parliament following a vote of no confidence. If the Head of State agrees, this would trigger a snap election, leaving the decision to voters.

Additionally, under Article 63, the Head of State may dissolve Parliament if the office of the Prime Minister is vacant and no one commands the confidence of the majority in the Legislative Assembly. 

This provides a mechanism for resolving political deadlock, potentially triggering a snap election if a clear leader cannot be established.

With these developments, Samoa’s government faces a period of significant instability. 

Analysts suggest that FAST must quickly regroup and resolve internal conflicts to maintain governance. 

Meanwhile, the uncertain allegiance of the remaining nine FAST members adds another layer of complexity, as the balance of power in Parliament remains unclear. 

Parliament is scheduled to convene next Tuesday, which will likely determine the next steps. 

With the HRPP holding 18 seats, the party still has considerable influence on the outcome of this unfolding political situation.