Samoa Reflects on Leadership as Elections Approach on August 29

As Samoa approaches its elections on August 29, 2023, the nation is reflecting on the legacies of its past prime ministers. Since gaining independence in 1962, Samoa has had only seven leaders, a stark contrast to countries like New Zealand, which has seen 42 prime ministers over the same period. This limited number speaks to the unique political landscape of Samoa, where leadership has historically depended on personal influence and village support rather than formal political party structures.

The first prime minister, Matä’afa Fiamë Faumuinä Mulinu’ü II, led the nation from 1959 until his death in 1975. He was the father of the current caretaker prime minister, Fiamë Naomi Matä’afa. During his tenure, governance was largely influenced by matai, or chiefly titles, with voting restricted to those holding such titles. This reliance on traditional leadership frameworks shaped the political environment for decades.

Throughout the 1980s, several prime ministers, including Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and Vaai Kolone, emerged as leaders in a time before formal political parties were established. Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV served as the second prime minister from 1970 to 1973 and again from 1975 to 1976. Following him, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who was related to Tupua, assumed the role from 1976 to 1982.

The elections of 1982 were particularly tumultuous, culminating in a brief leadership change when Vaai Kolone won 24 seats but was forced to step down due to electoral violations. This allowed Tuiatua to regain his position. Following Tuiatua, Tofilau Eti Alesana became prime minister after leading the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) from 1982 to 1985.

In a significant shift, Vaai Kolone, now aligned with HRPP, collaborated with Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi to form the Samoa National Democratic Party (SNDP), with Kolone serving another term. The political landscape changed dramatically in 1998 when Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi took office, holding the position for over 20 years until 2021. His long tenure made him Samoa’s longest-serving prime minister.

In 2021, Fiamë Naomi Matä’afa made history as Samoa’s first female prime minister and the second woman to lead a Pacific nation. Initially a member of HRPP, she broke from the party to join Laauli Leuatea Schmidt in forming the FAST party, which won the general election that year. During her time in office, she has faced significant challenges, including two votes of no confidence, a failed budget, a power crisis, and a dengue outbreak.

As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections, the political landscape features six registered parties: HRPP, FAST, Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), Samoa Labour Party (SLP), Constitution Democracy Republic Party (CDRP), and Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party (TPRRP). Historically, parties such as SNDP and Tautua Samoa Party have also played roles in Samoa’s political scene.

Samoa’s election chief has confirmed that 187 candidates will contest the elections, with FAST leading with 58 candidates, followed by HRPP with 50, SUP with 26, and SLP with 5. As Samoans prepare to cast their votes, the central question remains: Will Fiamë return for a second term, will Tuilaepa make a political comeback, or will La’auli secure his first term in office?