Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi demanded Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa’s resignation ahead of Tuesday’s parliamentary session before their no-confidence motion is put on the floor.

He also pressured the Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) chair Laauli Leuatea Schmidt to back their motion to remove Fiame when they vote on the motion of no confidence.

Tuilaepa confirmed their formal request for a vote of no confidence was accepted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Papali'i Li'o Masipau.

The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) formally submitted their request to Papalii on Thursday signalling their intention to challenge Fiame and her cabinet when parliament resumes. 

Tuilaepa asserted that the motion would be the first item on the agenda when the legislative session begins.

A letter from the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Satama Uitime Tala, dated 20 February 2025, acknowledged the request on behalf of the Speaker. 

"The Speaker has acknowledged with respect the receipt of your letter dated 20 February 2025 regarding the Motion of No Confidence Against the Honorable Prime Minister," the letter stated. It also outlined procedural requirements, including the submission of five members who wish to speak on the motion, at least one hour before the sitting commences on 25 February.

Tuilaepa emphasised that the current government was operating "unlawfully" and violating Samoa's Constitution. 

He argued that Fiame no longer held the majority in parliament and should step down. 

Recalling historical precedents, he noted that votes of no confidence are not uncommon in Samoa, referencing an instance in the 1980s when his administration was defeated due to an inability to pass the budget.

Turning his attention to Fiame and La'auli Tuilaepa issued a challenge. 

"Fiame should resign and step down before Tuesday," he declared. "We will not back down so she needs to take action before Tuesday."

Tuilaepa also urged La'auli and other F.A.S.T. members to support the motion. 

"They have already expressed their lack of confidence in Fiame's leadership. Who knows, maybe if the motion is passed, La'auli will become prime minister. If not him, they can always choose another member to replace Fiame. They should be happy we’ve put forth this motion."

Despite the uncertainty of the motion’s success, Tuilaepa stressed the importance of holding the government accountable. 

"Whether or not the motion is passed, the important thing for us is to remind those in power that they cannot continue to govern effectively when they are in breach of the Constitution of Samoa."

When asked whether he had agreed to allow Fiame to govern without a majority, Tuilaepa firmly denied it. 

"I never agreed to anything like that. Fiame has already stated that if there were a vote of no confidence, she would advise the Head of State to dissolve Parliament. And that’s what should happen."

Meanwhile, La'auli acknowledged the significance of the motion but remained non-committal about FAST’s stance. 

"At this stage, we are not clear on the grounds of the opposition's motion," he stated. "But it's not an easy thing to go through. It’s also not a beautiful scene to witness in parliament. However, this is not the first time it has happened in Samoa’s Legislative Assembly."

Pressed on whether FAST would support the motion, La'auli refused to disclose their position. 

"We shall wait until Tuesday. We haven't received the Order Paper for next week’s parliamentary session. We will prepare, but we will not reveal our move beforehand. These are matters to be discussed in Parliament, not outside," he said.

In response to Tuilaepa’s challenge, La'auli firmly stated, "If that’s what the opposition wants, so be it. We will see you in parliament."

La'auli closed by reaffirming Fiame's leadership, emphasising that any attempt to remove her would be an attempt to overthrow the government.

 "We are the government of the day, and Fiame is the leader of the government."

As the crucial parliamentary session approaches, Samoa’s political landscape remains on edge, with the impending vote of no confidence set to determine the future of Fiame’s administration.