Samoa to Hold General Elections After Budget Bill Rejected by Parliament
Apia, Samoa – May 29, 2025
Samoa is heading to the polls after the government’s proposed Appropriation Bill for the 2025–2026 financial year was rejected by a majority of Members of Parliament, triggering a constitutional process that has resulted in the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa confirmed the development in a press statement on Wednesday, declaring that the vote on the budget was treated as a matter of confidence under Article 33(2)(b) of the Constitution. The government’s defeat on this fundamental piece of legislation led the Prime Minister to advise the Head of State to dissolve Parliament—a decision that was formalised and will take effect on 3 June 2025.
“The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon,” said Fiame, who added that the Cabinet will remain in office as a caretaker government until a new Parliament is convened.
The decision comes amid rising political tensions and dissatisfaction among some MPs over elements of the government’s fiscal policy, especially concerns around public spending, the implementation of key infrastructure projects, and the government’s handling of recent economic challenges.
Fiame’s Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party came to power in 2021, ending nearly four decades of rule by the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). Her government was widely credited with restoring political stability following a constitutional crisis in 2021, and introducing reforms aimed at increasing transparency, judicial independence, and strengthening the role of Parliament.
However, recent months have seen growing criticism over the pace of economic recovery, delays in major development programmes, and concerns from within Parliament over whether the government has been sufficiently consultative on major financial and legislative decisions. The rejection of the Appropriation Bill is seen by many political observers as a culmination of those tensions.
While the FAST government has maintained strong public support in many quarters, especially for its pro-reform agenda and emphasis on good governance, this latest development highlights the complex political environment Fiame has been navigating—one in which coalition dynamics and parliamentary arithmetic remain fluid.
Legal guidance is now being sought from the Judiciary to clarify key dates for voter and candidate registration to ensure the elections comply fully with the Electoral Act.
“This will ensure clarity and legal compliance of all arrangements for the general elections,” Fiame noted, emphasising the importance of upholding the rule of law during the transition period.
Despite the political upheaval, the Prime Minister struck a conciliatory tone, urging unity ahead of the country’s 63rd Independence anniversary celebrations. A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, 1 June at Mulivai Cathedral, followed by a flag-raising ceremony and march past at Eleele Fou on Monday, 2 June.
“It is a time for us to celebrate God’s divine guidance and grace upon our country and people,” she said.
As the nation awaits the announcement of election dates, attention now turns to the Electoral Commission and political parties preparing for what is likely to be a closely watched and competitive general elec
tion.
