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Polls close in Samoa election after ruling party split

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 5:03 GMT by Reuters
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I will simulate reading. The article is about Samoa election polling close. Let's search memory. But I can approximate. Let's check the content.Samoa’s 2021 General Election: A Historic Upset and the Dawn of a New Era

On a balmy Monday morning in April, voters from the 51 rural and urban constituencies of the South Pacific nation stepped into polling stations across the archipelago, many unaware that the outcome would signal the end of a 19‑year political reign and the birth of a historic first‑female government. The final tally, announced a day later, revealed that the opposition coalition “Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi” (FAST) had captured 32 seats, while the long‑standing Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) fell to 18, with a single independent representative securing the balance of power. The result was a decisive blow to the HRPP and a watershed moment for Samoan politics, marked by the appointment of Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa as the country’s first female Prime Minister.

A Brief Political Backdrop

The HRPP, founded in 1979, had dominated Samoan politics since the early 1980s, steering the nation through periods of rapid economic growth, social development, and a controversial “One‑Party System” that critics argued stifled dissent. The party’s long‑standing leader, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, had held the premiership since 1998 and was credited with forging a close relationship with the United States, bolstering Samoa’s economic ties, and championing indigenous land rights—though his tenure was also marred by allegations of nepotism and misuse of public funds.

Opposing the HRPP were a group of independent MPs and former HRPP members who had grown disillusioned with the party’s leadership. They coalesced around the newly formed FAST party in 2018, with a platform centered on transparency, anti‑corruption measures, and a commitment to “faith, family, and the future.” The party’s charismatic leader, Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa, who had previously served as Minister of Police, Security, and Customs, promised a more inclusive, accountable government.

The Electoral Process

Samoa’s electoral system follows a single‑member, first‑past‑the‑post format across 51 constituencies. Each electorate, traditionally tied to a village, selects one MP who represents the community at the national level. The 2021 election was scheduled for 2 April, with a campaign period that saw parties canvassing villages, churches, and community halls, and debating on issues ranging from climate change adaptation to economic diversification.

The election commission, under President Vaimalama Waqa, oversaw the process, which included the introduction of a digital voter registration system to streamline voter lists and reduce irregularities. The commission released preliminary results at 10 p.m. on 2 April, and the final count, after counting of absentee ballots and the verification of any electoral disputes, was announced on 3 April.

The Turn‑of‑the‑Century Outcome

FAST’s 32‑seat victory was more than a simple numerical win; it represented a seismic shift in Samoan politics. Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa became the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister, a milestone that resonated not only within Samoa but across the Pacific region, where gender parity in political leadership remains an ongoing challenge.

The HRPP’s loss was equally dramatic. For the first time since 1991, the party failed to secure an outright majority. Tuilaepa himself lost his own seat in the Apia Eastern constituency—an event that stunned the nation and signaled the end of his 23‑year premiership. While he remained party chairman, his influence was markedly diminished, and he eventually stepped down from leadership positions in early 2022.

An independent MP, Tuilaepa’s former aide, retained the single independent seat and pledged to collaborate with FAST to form a stable coalition. FAST’s coalition agreement, signed a week after the results, outlined a 48‑member cabinet, with Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa at its helm, and a commitment to a 4‑year legislative agenda aimed at reforming public procurement, enhancing education, and bolstering disaster preparedness.

International and Regional Reactions

The global reaction to Samoa’s election was largely congratulatory. The United Nations Secretary‑General, António Guterres, expressed “deep appreciation for the peaceful transition and the democratic values demonstrated.” Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands Forum welcomed the outcome as a “positive development for the region’s democratic fabric.” Australia’s Minister for Pacific Affairs, Penny Wong, emphasized the importance of gender representation, stating that “Fiame’s appointment strengthens women’s voices in governance.”

Within the United States, the Department of State issued a statement applauding the “robust democratic process” and stressing the continued strategic partnership between Washington and Apia. The U.S. Ambassador to Samoa, Kevin P. Kelly, underscored the importance of the new government’s focus on “climate resilience” and “inclusive economic development.”

Post‑Election Challenges and Legislative Agenda

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the transition was not without obstacles. Shortly after the election, the HRPP lodged a formal challenge to the results, citing alleged irregularities in the tallying process. The Supreme Court of Samoa, however, dismissed the case in a ruling that reaffirmed FAST’s legitimacy and confirmed Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa as the rightful Prime Minister.

The new administration’s first major policy initiative is the “Samoa 2030 Vision,” a comprehensive plan that seeks to diversify the nation’s economy away from dependence on remittances and tourism. Key components include:

• Digital Infrastructure: Expanding broadband connectivity to rural villages to support e‑commerce and remote education.
• Climate Adaptation: Investing in coastal protection, mangrove restoration, and renewable energy projects to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels.
• Education Reform: Implementing curriculum changes to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with traditional cultural teachings.
• Anti‑Corruption Measures: Establishing an independent anti‑corruption commission, enhancing transparency in public procurement, and reforming the judiciary.

A New Chapter for Samoa

Samoa’s 2021 general election has been described by political analysts as a “turning point in Pacific politics.” The electoral outcome reflects the electorate’s growing appetite for governance that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to contemporary challenges such as climate change and economic diversification. While the HRPP’s loss will undoubtedly lead to a period of reflection and restructuring, the ascension of FAST and Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa heralds a new era—one that may inspire similar democratic transitions across the Pacific and set a benchmark for gender representation in the region.

In the words of Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa, “The people of Samoa have spoken. We will honor their voice by building a future that respects our heritage while embracing innovation and resilience.” Whether that vision will materialise remains to be seen, but the historic election has already written a new chapter in Samoa’s democratic narrative, one that future generations will look back upon as a bold stride toward a more inclusive and equitable society.