Samoa’s FAST Party Declares Landslide Victory in Election

The final vote count from Samoa’s general election has been completed, revealing a significant victory for the ruling FAST Party. Unofficial results indicate that FAST has secured 30 out of 52 seats in parliament, surpassing the 26 seats required to maintain a governing majority. While the official results are displayed at the national counting centre in Apia, they will only become formal once announced by the head of state.

According to the preliminary figures, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has finished with 14 seats. The caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa‘s Samoa United Party (SUP) has obtained three seats, along with four independents. Notably, one independent candidate has expressed support for FAST on social media, although the Electoral Commission has stated that he will remain listed as an independent until the official record is updated.

Female Representation and Electoral Process

The election results include five confirmed female candidates: three from FAST, one from HRPP, and one from SUP. Under Samoan electoral regulations, 10 percent of the 51 seats in parliament must be occupied by women. Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley, the electoral commissioner, indicated that considerations regarding this representation will only occur once all election-related court cases are resolved.

Polling took place across 50 constituencies on March 8, 2024. Notably, the Faleata Number 2 constituency was decided earlier, with Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo declared elected unopposed after two contenders were ruled ineligible. The official results are expected to be released on March 15, 2024, at which time the writ will be returned to the head of state, who will formally declare the new members of parliament. This process marks a crucial moment in Samoa’s political landscape, as it solidifies the FAST Party’s governance moving forward.