GOVERNMENT
The 1960 Constitution, which formally came into force with independence, is based on the British Westminster parliamentary system, modified to take account of Samoan customs. Malietoa Tanumafili held the post of head of state for 45 years until his death in May 2007. His successor, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, was selected by the Fono for a 5-year term.
The unicameral legislature (Fono) contains 49 members serving 5-year terms. Forty-seven are elected from territorial districts by ethnic Samoans districts; the other two are chosen by non-Samoans on separate electoral rolls. Universal suffrage was extended in 1990, but only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Samoan seats. The voting age is 21 years and over. There are more than 30,000 matais in the country, about 8% of whom are women. The prime minister is chosen by a majority in the Fono and is appointed by the head of state to form a government. The 12 cabinet ministers are appointed by the head of state on the advice of the prime minister, and subject to the continuing confidence of the Fono.
The judicial system is based on English common law and local customs. The Supreme Court is the court of highest jurisdiction. Its chief justice is appointed by the head of state upon the recommendation of the prime minister.
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has held majority in the Fono for the past six consecutive 5-year terms. HRPP leader Tofilau Eti Alesana served as prime minister for nearly all of the period between 1982 and 1998, when he resigned due to health problems. Tofilau Eti Alesana was replaced by his deputy Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Parliamentary elections are held every 5 years, and the last was held in March 2006. The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), led by Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, won 35 of the 49 seats. After the elections, the Samoa Democratic United Party (SDUP) was the opposition party but since then has suffered defections and divisions that have reduced it below the eight members required by parliamentary orders to constitute an official parliamentary party. Its remaining adherents have thus officially become independents, and as of March 2008 there was no recognized opposition party. The Supreme Court ordered by-elections, due to bribery and death of a member of parliament, that saw HRPP gain two extra seats to 37 of the 49 seats. In March 2008, two HRPP members left the party in a dispute over legislation proposed by the Prime Minister to change the "road code" from driving on the right (American) side to driving on the left (British) side, possibly in the latter half of 2009. These resignations--the first in recent years--left the HRPP with 35 seats. Apart from HRPP and SDUP, there are several political parties but they are not represented in parliament.
Principal
Government Officials
Head of State--His Highness TUI ATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since June 20, 2007)
Head of Government--Prime Minister TUILA'EPA Lupesoliai Aiono Sailele Malielegoai
Ambassador to the United States--Ali'ioaga Feturi ELISAIA
Samoa
maintains its diplomatic representation in the United States at
800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017; tel: 212-599-6196.
Type: Mix of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.
Independence (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship): January 1, 1962.
Constitution: January 1, 1962.
Branches: Executive--head of state (5-year term; elected by parliament), prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Legislative--unicameral parliament (Fono). Judicial--Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and supporting hierarchy.
Major political parties: Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Samoa Democratic United Party (SDUP), and Samoa Party (SP).
