Samoa's general election and head of state

A fascinating general election result is currently playing out in Samoa. The two main parties are tied on 25 seats each in a 51 seat Samoan Fono, with one independent MP potentially holding the balance of power. Vote counting is continuing so the final result may change, with one of the major parties picking up another seat to break the tie. If the FAST Party wins a majority, Samoa will have its first female head of government.

Samoa’s head of state is appointed by the Fono, and under the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa states:

the Head of State shall appoint as Prime Minister to preside over Cabinet a Member of Parliament who commands the confidence of a majority of the Members of Parliament;

It will be fascinating to see how the results come in, and how the head of state appoints the next Prime Minister. I’m sure that what we will see is a clear non-partisan decision, regardless of the fact the head of state is appointed by the Fono.