Legislative Assembly of Samoa

History

The Samoan Fono is descended from the Western Samoan Legislative Assembly established under New Zealand rule in the early 1900s. On the country's political independence in 1962, the 5th Legislative Assembly became the 1st Western Samoan Parliament.

Powers and procedures

The Samoan Constitution provides the Legislative Assembly to make laws for the whole or any part of Samoa and laws having effect outside as well as within Samoa. Any Member of Parliament may introduce any bill or propose any motion for debate in the Assembly or present any petition to the Assembly, and the same shall be considered and disposed of under the provisions of the Standing Orders.

Members of Parliament possess parliamentary privilege and immunities.

The Legislative Assembly can be dissolved or prorogue by the O le Ao o le Malo, with the advice of the Prime Minister.

Members of Parliament

Prior to a 2019 constitutional amendment, the Samoan Fono had 49 Members of Parliament. These were elected in six two-seat and 35 single-seat constituencies. Of these 49 seats, 47 were legally reserved for traditional heads of families (matai) and two for special constituencies: These two seats were first reserved for Samoan citizens descended from non-Samoans (so-called 'individual constituencies') and elected on a non-territorial basis until the 2015 constitutional amendment after which these were replaced with specific 'urban constituencies'. These 'urban constituencies' were only in place for the 2016 general election and were then abolished by the 2019 amendment ahead of the next general election. Following this amendment, each electoral constituency elects one member, totalling 51 members of parliament.

An extra Member of Parliament was added after the 2016 election in order to meet the quota of 10% female MPs.

Members of Parliament in Samoa are directly elected by universal suffrage, and serve a five-year term.

Current composition

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Head of State

Main article: O le Ao o le Malo

The ceremonial Head of State or O le Ao o le Malo is elected for a five-year term by the Fono. O le Ao o le Malo is limited to a maximum of 2 terms.

Elections

Elections are held under a simple plurality system. Samoan electors are divided into 51 single member constituencies. Electors must be Samoan citizens and aged over 21. Candidates must be qualified as electors, and are required hold a matai title.

Last election results

Main article: 2025 Samoan general election

Terms of parliament

The Legislative Assembly is currently in its 17th session, its convention did not occur until several months after the 2021 Samoan general election was held, due to the 2021 Samoan constitutional crisis. The 17th parliament convened for the first time on 14 September 2021.

Building

Main article: Architecture of Samoa

The Fono is housed in a beehive-shaped building based on the traditional Samoan fale.

Notes

References

References

1. (5 July 2023). "Speaker to recognise Tuilaepa as Opposition Leader". Samoa Observer.
2. "Legislative Assembly of Samoa". Office of the Clerk.
3. (16 September 2025). "Laaulialemalietoa sworn in as new Prime Minister". Samoa Observer.
4. Fana'afi Le Tagaloa, Aiono. (1986). "Land rights of Pacific women". University of the South Pacific;Institute of Pacific Studies.
5. [http://www.parliament.gov.ws/general.cfm Parliament of Samoa: general information] {{webarchive. link. (24 June 2007)
6. (3 June 2015). "Constitution Amendment 2015 (English)".
7. (31 January 2019). "Constitution Amendment Act (No. 3)".
8. (2019-01-30). "Samoa to bring about changes to parliament".
9. (11 March 2016). "Fa'aulusau Rosa Duffy-Stowers secures 5th Parliamentary seat for women". Talamua Online.
10. [http://www.parliament.gov.ws/documents/general_info/Electoral_Reprint_2006.pdf Electoral Act 1963], s16 {{webarchive. link. (March 6, 2009)
11. [http://www.parliament.gov.ws/documents/general_info/Electoral_Reprint_2006.pdf Electoral Act 1963], s5 {{webarchive. link. (2 October 2006)
12. (1 September 2021). "Parliament to meet on 14 September: Fiame". Samoa Observer.