Samoa: FAST Party increases parliamentary majority and highly likely to continue trajectory of its previous term
The FAST Party won an outright majority in the election held on 29 August, securing 30 seats out of 51 available. The election was conducted without major incident, however, the HRPP leader stated they will file 20 legal challenges. The SUP party, led by the incumbent Prime Minister, won three seats. The leaders of each party all retained their individual seats, which will see the FAST leader, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt become prime minister. The first sitting of the new parliament will occur on 16 September.
Assessment: Legal challenges are usual in Samoan elections and are unlikely to affect the FAST party’s leadership of the next government. FAST also won the 2021 general election and increased its majority to return for its second term - aside from a period since January 2025 where a FAST faction under PM Fiame split from the main party due to a clash between PM Fiame and Schmidt. Schmidt and FAST are likely to continue their focus on increasing social welfare, including easing cost of living pressures and improving health care. They are almost certain to prefer traditional external partners, but will be open to non-traditional actors offering opportunities for economic development.
Sources: Grace Tinetali‑Fiavaai, “Samoa Election: Political Parties Make Big Promises on Health, Welfare and Economy,” RNZ Pacific, July 22, 2025; Lydia Lewis, “‘Huge Relief’ in Samoa Post Snap General Election – Aupito Says,” RNZ News, August 30, 2025; Grace Tinetali‑Fiavaai, “Samoa Snap General Election: Electoral Commissioner Confirms Results,” RNZ Pacific, August 31, 2025; Grace Tinetali‑Fiavaai, “Samoa’s Newly Elected Parliament to Sit Tuesday Next Week,” RNZ News, September 9, 2025; Nick Sas and Adel Fruean, “Samoa Election Provisional Results Show New PM Almost Certain as Fiame Loses Grip on Power,” ABC News, September 1, 2025; Grace Tinetali‑Fiavaai, “Samoa Snap General Election: Electoral Commissioner Confirms Results,” RNZ Pacific, September 6, 2025.
