The Speaker of the House  Papalii Lio Masipau has ruled to reject a proposition for the vacation of seats of the Prime Minister and other ministers declaring the Parliament is for the people not for a political party. 

The announcement from Papalii was made on Tuesday when the Legislative Assembly convened and addressed issues regarding the split in the ruling party. 

Papalii told Parliament he had received a letter from the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party confirming the removal of six cabinet ministers including the Prime Minister from the party including their position in Cabinet. 

He said this questioned the vacation of seats for the members, however, Papalii is firm that this move cannot be decided by the Speaker or the House under the law. 

Papalii said the members who had been removed from the party and their executive role would not be affected together with their membership in the Legislative Assembly referring to the Constitution and other legislations. 

“Their cabinet duties are not affected under the Constitution,” he added. 

“The letter also noted another government from another political party, however, I cannot accept this unless there is evidence to prove this. 

“There are legal avenues that can be pursued outside of Parliament.”

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was removed by 20 members of the FAST party as leader and a member with five other cabinet ministers aligned with her. 

Their removal from the ruling party was rejected by Fiame and the ministers who will likely head to court to resolve their internal faction.  

The Speaker made it clear that a vote of no confidence is inappropriate for the time being and it would not benefit the House nor benefit the nation and retain the peace. 

Meanwhile, he continued that the differences within the political party were not related to parliamentary business that should be discussed in the House, they are merely party issues. 

“Please, it is not a Parliament of a political party it is the Parliament of the people,” he said.

Papalii also used the opportunity to appeal to the country and apologise for any shortcomings.

He further emphasised that people who offer support are just as important as those who are working and similarly leadership is just as important as working together. 

The position of the Speaker puts an end to contention over the validity of the seats of members of parliament, clearly defined what political party matters are and the jurisdiction of the parliament.