Samoa Prepares to Swear In New Prime Minister

Apia, Samoa - The countdown is on. Samoa’s Parliament is scheduled to convene on 16 September 2025, when elected members and the nation’s next Prime Minister will be sworn in.

The Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali‘ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, has issued the official warrant of election, confirming FAST’s victory with 30 seats. HRPP holds 14, the Samoa Uniting Party three, and Independents four. With this result, FAST leader La‘aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is on course to become Samoa’s next Prime Minister (Reuters, AP).

HRPP Vows to Challenge

The Human Rights Protection Party has pledged to file legal petitions, alleging bribery and treating during the campaign. Party leader Tuila‘epa Sa‘ilele Malielegaoi says HRPP has collected evidence, including statements and photographs, to present before the courts (PMN).

These accusations mirror tactics from past elections, where HRPP has tested outcomes in court. Observers note that, while petitions are part of Samoa’s legal framework, they rarely overturn a clear mandate such as FAST’s 30 seats.

Context from 2021

For many, the current situation recalls the 2021 constitutional crisis, when HRPP resisted conceding defeat and FAST was only seated after weeks of legal wrangling (RNZ Pacific, Samoa Observer).

Sidebar: Political Analysts on HRPP’s Response

• Analysts say legal challenges are expected, but unlikely to shift FAST’s majority.

• Tuila‘epa has a history of contesting losses, often drawing out transitions.

• Political observers suggest the pattern reflects HRPP’s reluctance to cede power quickly.

(RNZ Pacific, Samoa Observer, AP)

Looking Ahead

Whether the new petitions delay Parliament’s work remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on 16 September, when Samoa’s new Parliament will assemble and the next chapter of leadership begins.