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Samoa's national election returns FAST party with new leader

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 2:59 GMT by The Straits Times
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Samoa’s National Election Returns the FAST Party – but with a New Leader at the Helm

Samoa’s 2021 general election, held on 9 April, marked a watershed moment in the island nation’s political history. The long‑dominated Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) was toppled by the newer opposition party, Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST), which secured a majority of the 49 seats in the Fono (Samoan Parliament). Yet the most striking outcome was not simply a change in government, but a dramatic leadership shift within the FAST Party itself. The party’s newly appointed leader, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, is set to steer Samoa into an era of reform and renewed democratic norms.

The Battle on the Ballot

The election campaign unfolded amid intense public scrutiny. FAST’s narrative—“Faith, Action, Speed, Transparency” (hence the acronym FAST)—touted an end to nepotism, an overhaul of the public sector, and a modernised legal framework. HRPP, meanwhile, leaned on its legacy of stability and economic growth, but was increasingly criticized for its entrenched patronage networks.

FAST managed to win 31 of the 49 seats, giving it a comfortable majority. The HRPP retained only 17 seats, while one independent MP held the remaining seat. The electoral outcome was confirmed after a judicial recount and a high‑profile recount in the electorate of Aana Alofi No. 2, where the result was initially undecided. The court’s decision on 12 May sealed FAST’s victory and underscored the judiciary’s independent role in safeguarding Samoa’s democratic process.

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa – From Deputy to Prime Minister

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s ascent to the leadership of FAST and the prime ministership is as remarkable as it is symbolic. Prior to the election, she served as Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice under the HRPP. She resigned from her cabinet post in early 2021 after a leadership dispute within HRPP, and subsequently founded FAST in 2018. Her party’s rapid rise is a testament to her political acumen and the public’s appetite for change.

Mata’afa’s background is steeped in public service. Born in 1955 in the village of Sata, she graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a degree in law and has worked as a judge in the Samoan judiciary. She has championed reforms in the legal system, calling for greater transparency and efficiency. As prime minister, she has pledged to address the country’s pressing challenges, including tackling corruption, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting sustainable development.

A New Era for Samoa’s Politics

The election outcome carries profound implications for Samoa’s political landscape. For the first time in 23 years, the HRPP’s hegemony is broken, and FAST’s leadership is poised to implement a platform focused on accountability and inclusivity. The new government will be tasked with rebuilding public trust, particularly after a series of political scandals that eroded confidence in the HRPP.

Moreover, FAST’s win underscores the growing importance of gender parity in Samoan politics. Mata’afa’s role as a woman leading the nation sends a powerful message about women’s empowerment in a society that has historically been male‑dominated. She is the first female prime minister of Samoa and the second woman to head a government in the Pacific region.

Institutional Reforms on the Horizon

The FAST administration plans to introduce a suite of institutional reforms. Key among these is a review of the public procurement system, aiming to eliminate cronyism and ensure fair competition. The government also intends to modernise the electoral process, potentially incorporating digital tools to enhance transparency and voter participation.

Another significant agenda item is the re‑evaluation of the “Tafa'ifa” system, the traditional practice of allocating communal land for governmental use. FAST has signalled an intention to ensure that such allocations are made transparently, with the consent of the affected communities. This move is expected to address long‑standing grievances and prevent future disputes over land use.

The Road Ahead

While the FAST Party’s victory is an unequivocal mandate for change, it also brings a heavy burden. The new leadership must navigate the complexities of coalition politics, manage expectations of the electorate, and address the pressing socio‑economic issues that plague Samoa. The country’s reliance on tourism, which suffered during the global COVID‑19 pandemic, and its vulnerability to climate change, demand innovative policy responses.

In the months following the election, the Samoan media will be closely watching how Mata’afa translates her campaign promises into tangible policy. The world will also be keen to see whether FAST can uphold the democratic principles it espouses, particularly in ensuring a fair judiciary, free press, and transparent governance.

In sum, Samoa’s 2021 election did more than change parties; it re‑imagined the nation’s political leadership. With Fiame Naomi Mata’afa at the forefront, Samoa is poised to embark on a new chapter—one that prioritises accountability, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of both domestic and global challenges. The world will be watching to see whether the promise of “faith, action, speed, and transparency” can be turned into lasting progress for the Samoan people.