Uncertainty reigns in Samoan politics

The Opposition leader and current deputy prime minister, inveterate MP Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

Thu, 22 Apr 2021

After undergoing one tectonic shift in its politics, Samoa stands on the verge of another with its direction unknown.Less than a fortnight ago, a nine-month-old Opposition came within an inch of displacing a government that has dominated the Pacific island nation's national politics for four decades. The ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) had its 47-51 seat majority demolished to a 25-seat tie.Eyes were fixed on the man holding the key balance of power vote, independent Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio.And on Wednesday, Ponifasio duly a...

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