Samoan Cabinet to File Motion Against Speaker Over Conflict of Interest

Samoan Observer reports that Samoa’s political tensions continue to escalate as Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa and her cabinet prepare to file a motion calling on Speaker Papali’i Lio Masipau to declare a conflict of interest in the ongoing no-confidence motion against the government.

During Monday’s parliamentary session, Fiame informed the Speaker that the government was ready to formalize the motion, which would also implicate Deputy Speaker Auapa’au Aloitafua.

However, as reported by the Samoa Observer, the specific nature of the conflict of interest has not been disclosed.

Parliament was adjourned after disagreements over when the no-confidence motion should be debated.

While Papali’i insisted that it should be heard only after legislative matters were completed, the cabinet demanded immediate discussion.

Meanwhile, the opposition supported the motion but rejected the push to remove Fiame as Prime Minister and replace her with the new leader of the FAST party, the Samoa Observer further states.

Fiame survived a no-confidence vote last week, but political uncertainty remains high.