Photo: Samoa Government
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has defeated a no-confidence motion against her minority government for a second time in as many weeks.
Fiame defeated the no-confidence vote by 32 votes against the motion and 19 in favour on Thursday.
The leadership challenge failed after the instigator of the motion, FAST party chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, and the Human Rights Protection Party leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, could not agree on a unified position on the motion.
In a role-reversal of last week's motion, the HRPP voted alongside Fiame.
Last week, it was Laauli who voted alongside Fiame to defeat the motion moved by Tuilaepa against Fiame.
In January, Laauli, alongside several FAST ministers, was removed by Fiame from her Cabinet, creating a major split within the ruling party.
'Samoa needs a united Parliament'
Six MPs were given the chance to speak on the motion. They were all given five minutes each, and the motion was only to be discussed for one hour.
Questions arose regarding the presence of six speakers this time, as only five spoke last week.
Speaker of the House Papaliʻi Liʻo Taeu Masipau clarified that the legislative clerk determined that five representatives, including the one who made the motion, were permitted to speak.
Before the speakers chosen to represent the motion, Fiame argued that the motion is to be discussed and passed by Parliament and that it is no different from last week's motion.
However, the Papaliʻi made it clear that, as the Speaker, he decided that the motion would still proceed.
Laauli spoke first and said its now been over two months this has been on going.
"This isn't love, and if you love this country, they are waiting for an answer and peace. What we said yesterday is what we say today."
MP Leota Laki spoke about finding out he was being terminated through word of mouth.
"It was a sign and a blessing that I had found out because I knew then what was coming, but that goes to show how unprofessional her leadership is."
Tuilaepa said there is one common theme on the motion.
"We knew we couldn't pass our motion because we were a smaller group. It didn't pass, but we left happy because we believed FAST was still together and one unit.
"Samoa is watching, and Samoa needs a united Parliament. There is a collective responsibility that parliament needs to take on together.
"This motion is not appropriate, after this we will leave, and leave both factions to discuss and work out."
Parliament will now continue as usual with bills yet to be passed and a budget coming up in June.
