Former Minister for the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.), Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o raised concerns about the legitimacy of the current government under the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party. 

Speaking in an interview with Radio Samoa over the weekend, Mulipola questioned how the "minority" faction of F.A.S.T. continues to hold power and govern effectively, claiming that several members of that minority group no longer belong to the political party they contested under during the elections.

"I am somewhat disappointed by the precedent that has been set by the Legislative Assembly of Samoa," she said, referring to the sessions last week starting from 21 January and the ongoing sittings," she said. 

"The way I see it, the majority of the ruling party have expressed their lack of confidence in the Prime Minister's leadership."

At the heart of Mulipola's concerns is the expulsion of six members from F.A.S.T., including Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. 

According to Mulipola, the majority of the party’s members agreed to expel these individuals, yet when the Parliament convened on 21 January, the Electoral Act, which governs political party affiliation and the consequences of expulsion, was not acknowledged by the legislature.

“For any member of parliament, you enter parliament under the umbrella of a political party," Mulipola continued. “The Electoral Act is clear on the consequences and what happens when a person is kicked out or no longer a member of the political party they contested under during the election.

"For those who have been expelled by the majority of the ruling party, where do they belong?"

She questioned why this legal framework was disregarded in the session, highlighting the growing rift within the ruling party.

“This is the precedent we are setting. To have a minority group govern the executive arm of government. 20 MPs are remaining in the ruling party, 18 on the opposition side, and they only have 15, yet they continue to govern?" 

She expressed disbelief that the Prime Minister, despite being the leader of a faction, no longer trusted by the majority of her party, continues to hold her position in Parliament.

She emphasised the importance of upholding constitutional principles and warned that the current situation could set a dangerous precedent for the future of governance in Samoa. 

"What kind of example are we setting for the next generation of leaders? How about other countries looking at what's happening in Samoa?" she asked.

She further lamented the lack of resolution to the crisis, claiming that efforts to settle the issue peacefully had overshadowed the need to address what she considers a fundamental issue. 

"The reality is that the minority is now ruling our government. We must not let the idea of mutual respect and peaceful resolution prevent us from doing what is right.” 

Mulipola expressed her disappointment that such a situation is unfolding during this critical time in Samoa's political history, saying, “Everyone will remember this, and it will forever be in the history books for Samoa's parliament."

When Parliament resumed its businesses last Tuesday, the Speaker of the House, Papali'i Li'o Taeu Masipau, maintained a firm stance asserting that internal party issues should not dictate the workings of Parliament. 

On 21 January, Papali'i ruled out any immediate action to vacate the seats of the six expelled members, including the Prime Minister, stating that such matters should be handled within the political party and not by the Legislative Assembly.

Papali'i reiterated that the Parliament is not the venue for party disputes. “This is not a Parliament of a political party; it is the Parliament of the people," he said, emphasising that the legislative body exists to serve the nation, not any single political faction.

Papali'i also rejected a proposal that sought to vacate the seats of the expelled members, citing the Constitution and other legal frameworks that govern such situations. He noted, “Their cabinet duties are not affected under the Constitution... There are legal avenues that can be pursued outside of Parliament.” 

The Speaker's decision highlights the legal complexities surrounding the issue, indicating that any changes to the government’s structure or the validity of the members’ positions would have to be resolved through the courts or other constitutional processes.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who was removed as leader of the F.A.S.T. party by 20 of its members, responded to the growing friction within her party by stressing that her government remains committed to its work, despite the internal struggles. 

In a speech to the Legislative Assembly on January 21, Fiame attributed the divisions within the party to the criminal charges brought against former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, which, she said, triggered the expulsion of several members.

Fiame reinforced her position, emphasising that only the Legislative Assembly has the authority to remove a Prime Minister under the law, and that her leadership is guided by the principles of the Constitution. 

She stated, “If the operation of the executive branch will no longer be up to us because of the friction, it would be a question put to the House.”

In light of the ongoing political turmoil, Fiame also noted that constitutional reforms, including amendments to the Land and Titles Court and the Electoral Act, are in the works, aimed at improving the efficiency and fairness of the government. 

“If a motion from the government is not passed by the House, it will allow me to advise the Head of State on a proclamation to dissolve Parliament and the country will head to the polls,” she added, underscoring that the resolution of the crisis may ultimately rest in the hands of the people through a general election.

While the ruling party grapples with its internal divisions, the Opposition, led by former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has continued to stand by the legitimacy of Fiame's government, offering their support in the face of mounting pressure. 

Tuilaepa acknowledged the Speaker's firm position on the matter and reiterated that his party remains committed to upholding their oath of allegiance and supporting the Prime Minister’s leadership.