GEIS-新闻详情

Court orders Samoa Parliament to sit to end vote impasse

2021-06-28 00:00:00.0 海峡时报-亚洲原网页

APIA (AFP) - Samoa's Supreme Court on Monday (June 28) ordered Parliament to sit within seven days, effectively setting a deadline to end a power struggle that has gripped the Pacific island nation for months.

In the latest legal twist arising from Samoa's disputed April 9 general election, the court said Parliament had one week to convene "without further delay or procrastination".

It follows almost three months of manoeuvring between rival claimants for Samoa's prime ministership - long-serving incumbent Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and opposition leader Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

Ms Mata'afa, who is bidding to become Samoa's first female leader, has claimed a slim majority in the election but Mr Malielegaoi has refused to concede his 22-year tenure is over and has called for a new poll.

Ms Mata'afa attempted to force the issue last month, holding an ad hoc swearing-in ceremony in a tent on the lawns of Parliament after Mr Malielegaoi's supporters locked her out of the legislative chamber.

The court decision on Monday ruled that ceremony was not valid, but said it could be declared legitimate if the order that Parliament sit within seven days was not carried out.

It also warned that anyone attempting to stop the order would be in contempt of both court and Parliament.

The decision appears to be a victory for Ms Mata'afa's Fast Party, which on current numbers could form a government with 26 seats to 24 if Parliament sat.

"We accept and we will move forward with the decision handed down from the Supreme Court," Fast said.

However, some of the numerous legal challenges launched since the election could see Mr Malielegaoi even the numbers, and he will be looking for a loophole to prevent Parliament sitting until they are resolved.

The court last week ruled the outstanding legal cases should not prevent Parliament convening.

Over the weekend, Australian officials made their strongest statement on the deadlock, calling for a government to be formed.

"We urge all parties to cooperate, with a view to convening the Parliament and enabling the formation of a government," a joint statement from Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Pacific Minister Zed Seselja said.

Previously, Australia has simply called for all parties to respect democracy and the rule of law.