The Parliament session scheduled on 22 August is now postponed to 24 October 2023. This was confirmed in a statement released under the signature of the Head of State Le Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualaivi II.
This is pursuant to Article 52 of the Constitution and under sections of the Standing Order 170.
Several bills are pending in Parliament for approval as well as reports including the Commission of Inquiry’s report into the electoral system of Samoa, whereas recommendations outline that the Prime Minister of Samoa and the Opposition Human Rights Protection Party leader may run against each other at the next general elections if a request by the Electoral Commission of Inquiry goes ahead.
The Commission recommends merging the Lotofaga and Lepa constituencies.
Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is a member of Lepā and said he was concerned about the proposal, which would put him against Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa.
The Samoa Observer reports the Commission’s report is currently being reviewed by the Standing Orders Parliamentary Committee, with its recommendations yet to go before the House.
Tuilaepa said the final report has recommended removing three seats and adding three new constituencies to maintain the current number of seats in Parliament.
