Samoa: Prime Minister Fiame unlikely to resign voluntarily before the 2026 general election

On 25 February, Prime Minister (PM) Fiame Naomi Mataafa defeated a motion of no confidence (MONC) with 34 out of 49 votes. The motion was moved by the Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who cited the ongoing divisions within the ruling party and an alleged constitutional violation with the continuation of a minority government. PM Fiame stated before the MONC that she and her cabinet would remain in government if the MONC failed but would advise the Head of State to dissolve Parliament and head to a snap general election if it succeeded. FAST party leader and chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt disclosed that the party would ask PM Fiame to consider resigning after the MONC. Before the MONC, Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi went to the Supreme Court to seek PM Fiame's removal .

Assessment: The 34 votes in support of PM Fiame from the governing FAST party demonstrates the party’s intent to stay in power amid the internal divisions. PM Fiame’s decision to stay in power will likely worsen the internal divisions. The MONC’s failure   leaves the decision to oust PM Fiame to the Supreme Court. PM Fiame is unlikely to heed any calls to voluntarily resign ahead of the 2026 elections unless it is legally declared.

Sources: Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong, “Fiame still PM, no confidence motion fails,” Samoa Observer, February 26, 2025; Christina Persico, “Sāmoan Prime Minister Fiamé survives no confidence vote,” Pacific Media Network, February 25, 2025; “Samoa’s embattled Prime Minister faces court action to have her removed,” Pacific Islands News Association, February 20, 2025.