Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi held private talks at the Legislative Assembly Office on Friday under heavy police presence. 

The leaders met on neutral grounds before heading into the Parliamentary Commission meeting with Speaker Papalii Lio Masipau.

The private discussion between Fiame and Tuilaepa is critical for the government to gauge the opposition's position should a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister be put in the House next week.

Parliament convenes next Tuesday for the first session in 2025, but unlike other sittings, this one will determine whether the country heads to the polls for a snap election. It will also shape the likely outcome of a motion of confidence in the country’s leadership, should it be introduced in the House, where 52 parliamentarians, excluding the Speaker, hold the power to accept or reject it.