2016 Samoan general election

none May 2024 May 2024 Samoa parliamentary 2011 Samoan general election 2011 2021 Samoan general election 2021 All 49 directly elected seats in the Legislative Assembly(and up to 5 additional female MPs) 4 March 2016 69.64% Tuilaepa_Aiono_Sailele_Malielegaoi_2014_(cropped).jpg Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Human Rights Protection Party 55.56%, 29 seats 35 6 45,505 56.92% 1.36pp Tautua Palusalue Faʻapo II Tautua Samoa Party 24.71%, 13 seats 2 11 6,743 8.43% 16.28pp Results by constituency Prime Minister Subsequent Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Human Rights Protection Party Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Human Rights Protection Party General elections were held in Samoa on 4 March 2016 to determine the composition of the 16th Parliament. Two parties contested the election, the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), led by Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi, which had been in government for most of the time since 1982, and the Tautua Samoa Party (TSP), led by Opposition Leader Palusalue Faʻapo II. The election was held following the passage of electoral reforms, including the implementation of a parliamentary women's quota that requires the legislature to have at least five female members. Parliament also introduced electoral boundary changes in 2015, which saw the abolition of the six double-member constituencies and the individual voters' seats, the constituents of the latter including voters with partial or no Samoan ancestry and individuals not connected to a traditional village. The HRPP won a landslide re-election, securing 35 seats; although several cabinet ministers lost their seats. The TSP suffered a significant loss and retained only two seats, down from 13 in the 2011 election, and the party's leader was among those unseated. Only four female candidates were successful, resulting in the appointment of an additional female member to fulfil the women's quota, which increased parliament's seat count to 50. Following the election, 12 independents joined the HRPP, which increased the party's seats to 47 and preserved the ruling party's dominance over Samoan politics. The TSP was joined by one independent, increasing the party's seat share to three. Because the TSP failed to win at least eight seats, it lost recognition as a parliamentary party, which left Samoa without an official opposition. Background The HRPP had dominated Samoan politics from when it first came into power in 1982 and had governed the country for most of the time since then.Hollingsworth Julia The incredible rise of Samoa's first female Prime Minister-elect, and the man still standing in her way https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/29/asia/samoa-prime-minister-intl-hnk-dst/index.html 18 November 2022 CNN 29 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210530010816/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/29/asia/samoa-prime-minister-intl-hnk-dst/index.html 30 May 2021 liveLagi Keresoma Human Rights Protection Party Upholds Preservation of Tradition https://talamua.com/2021/03/19/human-rights-protection-party-upholds-preservation-of-tradition/ 29 April 2023 Talamua Online 19 March 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210527160638/https://talamua.com/2021/03/19/human-rights-protection-party-upholds-preservation-of-tradition/ 27 May 2021 live Apia The party's leader, Tuila‘epa Sa‘ilele Malielegaoi, had been prime minister since 1998.Illmer Andreas The woman who unseated Samoa's prime minister of 20 years https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56811379 15 June 2023 BBC News 18 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20220120163907/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56811379 20 January 2022 live During the 2011 general election, the HRPP won re-election, securing 29 seats. The newly founded opposition TSP secured 13 seats, and independents won the remaining seven. Following that election, all independents joined the HRPP,Elections in 2011 http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2351_11.htm IPU 17 November 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220503033940/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2351_11.htm 3 May 2022 live while several individuals lost their seats due to electoral petitions. One of these MPs was TSP leader Vaʻai Papu Vailupe;Tautua Samoa Party leader found guilty of bribery and treating https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/196875/tautua-samoa-party-leader-found-guilty-of-bribery-and-treating 21 March 2022 RNZ 2 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20210411220253/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/196875/tautua-samoa-party-leader-found-guilty-of-bribery-and-treating 11 April 2021 he was subsequently replaced as leader by Deputy Leader Palusalue Faʻapo II.Tautua Samoa Caucus elect new leaders https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/197230/tautua-samoa-caucus-elect-new-leaders 21 March 2022 RNZ 19 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614033143/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/197230/tautua-samoa-caucus-elect-new-leaders 14 June 2021 live TSP defections Olo Fiti Vaai (then known as Levaopolo Talatonu Vaai)Mata'afa Keni Lesa Different name, same man https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/editorial/27070 15 November 2022 Samoa Observer 10 March 2016 https://archive.today/20221108074003/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/editorial/27070 8 November 2022 live resigned from the party in November 2015 to found a new opposition party. However, he announced that he would contest the 2016 election as an independent.Samoa MP announces planned new party https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/289274/samoa-mp-announces-planned-new-party 15 November 2022 RNZ 10 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20201129202651/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/289274/samoa-mp-announces-planned-new-party 29 November 2020 live In February 2016, the TSP's chief whip and founder, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, defected to the HRPP, citing a request to do so by his constituents of Faleata West. Although Faapo respected Aiafi's decision, he was skeptical about the justification for the switch. Faapo expressed, "he (Aiafi) says it's what his constituency wants, but we all understand that decisions on which political party you choose is not up to your constituency because you cannot call the whole Faleata West constituency to meet and decide this." Malielegaoi believed that Aiafi's defection and his status as a founder of the TSP provided the opposition with a significant disadvantage.Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Leaders at odds over Leala's switch https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/19579 8 June 2022 Samoa Observer 15 February 2016 https://archive.today/20220608052218/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/19579 8 June 2022 live Electoral system The 49 members of the Legislative Assembly were elected from 49 single-member constituencies. All seats were elected using first-past-the-post voting. Candidates were required to be at least 21 years of age, be a Matai and resident of the country for at least three years prior the nomination date. Civil servants and people with mental illness were ineligible to stand as candidates. People convicted for bribery or an electoral offense, and people given a prison sentence of more than two years (including the death sentence), were also ineligible.http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2351_B.htm Samoa (Fono) Electoral system Inter-Parliamentary Union 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220616040951/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2351_B.htm 16 June 2022 live Around 116,000 electors were registered for the election.Timutimu Ripeka Easy victory predicted for Tuilaepa https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/easy-victory-predicted-tuilaepa Māori Television 5 March 2016 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160729214144/https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/easy-victory-predicted-tuilaepa 29 July 2016 live The Constitution Amendment Act 2013 ensures a minimum of 10 per cent of seats in parliament were reserved for women.Constitution Amendment Act 2013 2 http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/93576/109441/F-316467409/WSM93576%20Eng.pdf 5 March 2016 International Labour Organization https://web.archive.org/web/20171207143522/http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/93576/109441/F-316467409/WSM93576%20Eng.pdf 7 December 2017 dead Electoral reforms In 2013 a constitutional amendment was passed in parliament, mandating that at least five members of the legislative assembly are women. If this quota were unfulfilled following an election, the amendment permits parliament to establish up to five additional seats that would be allocated to the unsuccessful female candidates with the highest quantity of votes. Parliament passed legislation in 2014 barring candidates from providing gifts to villages within their constituency until after an election in an attempt to stamp out undue influence and prevent excessive electoral petitions that follow. Parliamentary hopefuls had traditionally presented gifts to potential voters upon declaring their candidacy.Haley et al. 2017 13 Electoral boundary changes The legislative assembly introduced constituency boundary changes in 2015. The six double-member constituencies were split into twelve constituencies, each represented by one member of parliament. The reform also abolished the two individual voters seats, that were for voters with partial or no Samoan ancestry or citizens that had no ties to any traditional village. The Urban East and Urban West constituencies replaced the individual seats, and consisted of voters in Apia residing on non-customary land or those not tied to a traditional village. Individuals living in Apia who did have ties to a traditional village outside the capital could choose to either enrol in their home constituency or one of the urban electorates so long as they had lived in Apia for at least six months. The creation of the urban electorates resulted from voters from traditional villages around Apia expressing discontent with urban settlers allegedly having an overbearing influence over the electoral outcome in their constituencies. The abolition of the double-member seats reduced an imbalance of representation to a certain extent, as voters in these electorates were permitted to cast two votes. During the redrawing process, a major priority was to ensure the boundaries remained organised around the traditional political districts, all of which were tied to matai titles, to prevent tensions from arising. Population distribution was less of a priority, resulting in some constituencies remaining disproportionately larger than others.Haley et al. 2017 19–21 Voters Enrollment of eligible voters was compulsory; however, it was voluntary to cast a ballot.PIF Secretariat 2016 4 Universal suffrage was introduced in 1990, permitting Samoan citizens over the age of 21 to vote in person.Haley et al. 2017 19 Voting registration usually closes six months before a general election and re-opens immediately after. Voters could elect to enrol in a constituency rather than the one where they reside by right of significant family ties or matai titles. As a result, the population of constituencies and the constituency's voter roll have not always correlated. Samoan citizens residing abroad were permitted to register,Haley et al. 2017 22 but the government refused to entertain overseas voting. Therefore, voters abroad had to travel to Samoa to cast their ballots. This decision drew criticism from the opposition TSP, which demanded the government permit overseas voting. Prime minister Malielegaoi defended his government's decision and dismissed the opposition's pleas as a "foolish tactic" that would lead to the country "being governed by overseas Samoans".Lanuola Tusani Tupufia P.M. rejects foolish tactic https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/30079 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 19 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220611053724/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/30079 11 June 2022 live Schedule The election date was revealed in September 2015, and voter registration closed on 31 October of that year. The dissolution of parliament occurred on 29 January 2016, and the writ for the election was issued on 5 February. On the same day, the registration process for candidates opened and remained so until 18 February. The government declared 3 and 4 March to be a general election holiday. The return of writs occurred on 14 March.Haley et al. 2017 19,23 DateEvent31 October 2015Registration for voters closes29 January 2016The 15th Parliament is dissolved 5 February 2016O le Ao o le Malo issues Writ for the election 18 February 2016Candidate nominations close4 March 2016Election day14 March 2016Writ for the election returned Parties and candidates A total of 171 candidates were nominated. Five were subsequently disqualified and two withdrew, which resulted in 164 candidates contesting the election.Haley et al. 2017 23 There were 24 female candidates, up from nine in the 2011 election.Samoa women's participation in election encouraging https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/297254/samoa-women%27s-participation-in-election-encouraging 12 November 2022 RNZ 24 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20201203141135/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/297254/samoa-women's-participation-in-election-encouraging 3 December 2020 live Two parties contested the election, the ruling HRPP led by Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele MalielegaoiHaley et al. 2017 33–34 and the TSP led by Opposition Leader Palusalue Fa‘apo II.Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Minimum wage increase plan https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/8895 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 14 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220611050901/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/8895 11 June 2022 live The HRPP fielded 81 candidates; the TSP 22 and 61 contenders ran as independents. However, 48 of the independents were associated with the HRPP and one was aligned with the TSP. The high quantity of Independents affiliated with the HRPP was due to the ruling party's policy of prioritising its incumbent members of parliament. In addition to four constituencies where the sole candidate was an HRPP member, candidates in 14 other constituencies solely consisted of hopefuls that were either a member of the HRPP or an affiliate of the party. Therefore, the HRPP was guaranteed to secure at least 18 seats. Several independents were affiliated with the TSP, although the number of these candidates was undefined. PartyLeaderCandidatesFounded2011 seatsHuman Rights Protection Party Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi 81 1979 29 49 Human Rights Protection PartyTautua Samoa Party Palusalue Faʻapo II 22 2008 13 49 Tautua Samoa PartyIndependents 63 7 49 Independent politician Campaign Party politics played a minor role in this election, as candidates in one-third of the constituencies solely consisted of either HRPP members or independent contestants affiliated with the party. Although both party leaders appeared in the media, presenting their party's platforms, many contenders chose to campaign primarily on their personal record.Haley et al. 2017 34 The HRPP released its manifesto in February 2016. The party promised to implement numerous developments, including an increase in employment, particularly amongst the youth, by bolstering apprenticeship and vocational training schemes to improve the rates of business establishment. Education was also a high priority for the party during the campaign. The HRPP pledged to extend the age of compulsory education from 14 to 17 years and to proceed with constructing schools throughout the country. The party also announced plans for healthcare development through a "Healthy Samoa" initiative. This plan included a boost in training health professionals, upgrading healthcare facilities and encouraging robust lifestyles via exercise throughout the country. Infrastructure development would continue under an additional term of the HRPP rule, including water sanitation, as would the party's efforts to combat climate change.H.R.P.P reveals its plans https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/36632 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 24 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220609052443/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/36632 9 June 2022 live During the campaign, Prime Minister Malielegaoi attacked the TSP's proposals, describing them as "weak" and "lacking substance". He also claimed, "The biggest issue I see is that they are copying our ideas" and asserted that his government's plans were "solid" because they did not "...take guesses" when planning projects. Malielegaoi also questioned how the TSP would fund their initiatives.P.M. counters Palu https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/393 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 8 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220609052831/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/393 9 June 2022 live Capital Radio Samoa predicted that the ruling party would win the elections. The TSP promised to raise the minimum wage from WS$2.30 to WS$3.00 tālā per hour. Party Leader Faʻapo II argued that the HRPP government's 'boasting' about the country's WS$2 billion GDP "did not reflect positively on the minimum wage". The Samoa First Union applauded the minimum wage increase proposal, with the union's coordinator describing it as a "win-win for Samoa".Pai Mulitalo Ale Tautua Samoa praised for minimum wage hike plan https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/14465 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 3 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220611051229/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/14465 11 June 2022 live The party also announced its intention to increase the retirement pension from WS$125 to WS$250 per month. Regarding the youth, the TSP pledged to introduce universal education, establish a branch of the National University of Samoa in Savaiʻi to serve students there and implement fees-free health care for children, including prescriptions without charge.Diedre Fanene Medicare offers free prescription https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/27161 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 18 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220611031908/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/27161 11 June 2022 live Palusalue announced that the TSP would finance these initiatives by reversing the government's "reckless spending" on "failed development projects". He said these actions had been the cause of an increase in Samoa's foreign debt of over one billion tālā. The TSP declined to raise taxes.Mata'afa Keni Lesa Millions being wasted - Palu https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/2459 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 10 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220611052901/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/2459 11 June 2022 live The party also vowed to abolish the three-year residency requirement that candidates must satisfy to be eligible to contest an election.Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Tautua to remove monotaga https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/37166 11 June 2022 Samoa Observer 25 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220611053444/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/37166 11 June 2022 live Conduct Voting commenced at 8:00 (UTC+14:00), most polling stations closed at 15:00, while special voting booths remained open until 17:00.Haley et al. 2017 45 A liquor ban was imposed with effect from the voting day and till 06:00 the next morning. No violence was reported during the voting.Voting underway in Samoa's general election http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pacific/298064/voting-underway-in-samoa's-general-election RNZ 5 March 2016 4 March 2016 https://archive.today/20221120054748/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/298064/voting-underway-in-samoa's-general-election 20 November 2022 live The Pacific Islands Forum and the Australian National University sent delegations to observe the electoral process.Haley et al. 2017PIF Secretariat 2016 In previous elections, candidates would directly provide transport for voters seeking to travel to polling stations. However, the government banned this practice before the election to reduce undue influence. But this law proved problematic for voters residing in rural or remote areas, as public transport was not in service, due to election day and the day prior being public holidays. Although some candidates hired taxis for voters, the lack of available transportation resulted in a lower turnout than in previous elections.Haley et al. 2017 43 Results The provisional results showed the HRPP leading with 47 seats out of a maximum of 49.http://asiapacificreport.nz/2016/03/05/samoa-now-one-party-state-tuilaepa-crushes-tautua-opposition/ Samoa now 'one party state', Tuilaepa crushes Tautua opposition Asia Pacific Report 5 March 2016 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306104335/https://asiapacificreport.nz/2016/03/05/samoa-now-one-party-state-tuilaepa-crushes-tautua-opposition/ 6 March 2016 live In the official tally, the HRPP won re-election in a landslide with 35 seats, while the TSP only secured two.Legislative Assembly (Fono) http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2351_E.htm IPU 11 November 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220901054546/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2351_E.htm 1 September 2022 live Four HRPP candidates, including Prime Minister Malielegaoi and Justice Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataafa, were elected unopposed.Samoa's ruling HRPP retains 4 seats ahead of the poll https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/297421/samoa's-ruling-hrpp-retains-4-seats-ahead-of-the-poll 19 September 2022 RNZ 25 February 2016 https://archive.today/20220917114743/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/297421/samoa's-ruling-hrpp-retains-4-seats-ahead-of-the-poll 17 September 2022 live TSP Leader Faʻapo lost his seat, and the party's only successful candidates were deputy leader Aeau Peniamina and newcomer Ili Setefano Taʻateo. Because the TSP's seat total fell below the eight-member threshold, it lost recognition as a parliamentary party. Independents won the remaining 13 seats. Despite the ruling party's victory, several cabinet ministers lost re-election and half of the elected MPs were newcomers.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-05/samoan-ruling-party-set-for-landslide-victory-in-election/7223890 Samoan ruling party set for landslide victory in general elections ABC Online 5 March 2016 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306100103/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-05/samoan-ruling-party-set-for-landslide-victory-in-election/7223890 6 March 2016 livePolu Lance Samoan voters return HRPP in landslide victory – annihilates a parliamentary Opposition http://www.talamua.com/samoan-voters-return-hrpp-in-landslide-victory-annihilates-a-parliamentary-opposition/ Talamua On-line News Apia 5 March 2016 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160316011900/http://www.talamua.com/samoan-voters-return-hrpp-in-landslide-victory-annihilates-a-parliamentary-opposition/ 16 March 2016Lesa Mata'afa Keni Congratulations to all the winners http://sobserver.ws/en/05_03_2016/editorial/3284/Congratulations-to-all-the-winners.htm 5 March 2016 Samoa Observer 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160829233552/http://sobserver.ws/en/05_03_2016/editorial/3284/Congratulations-to-all-the-winners.htm 29 August 2016 live Four women MPs were elected and a fifth, the unsuccessful female candidate with the highest percentage of votes, was added to meet the quota requirements of 10% female MPs. Faaulusau Rosa Duffy-Stowers, an independent candidate who placed second in the Gagaifomauga No. 3 constituency,http://www.talamua.com/faaulusau-rosa-duffy-stowers-secures-5th-parliamentary-seat-for-women/ Fa'aulusau Rosa Duffy-Stowers secures 5th Parliamentary seat for women Talamua On-line News 16 March 2016 11 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160322133645/http://www.talamua.com/faaulusau-rosa-duffy-stowers-secures-5th-parliamentary-seat-for-women/ 22 March 2016Official Results 2016 http://www.oec.gov.ws/index.php/general-election-2016/general-election-2016-results Office of the Electoral Commission 15 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20160731052417/http://www.oec.gov.ws/index.php/general-election-2016/general-election-2016-results 31 July 2016 dead was selected increasing the parliament's strength to 50 members. The result ensured a continuation of the HRPP's dominance over Samoan politics. File:Samoa Fono 2016.svg Human Rights Protection Party 45505 35 +6 Tautua Samoa Party 6743 2 −11 Independents 27704 13 +6 759 +1 115901 Government of Samoa, OEC, Election Passport By constituency Constituency TurnoutPolitical party Candidate Votes %Vaimauga East2,259Independent Sulamanaia Tauiliili Tuivasa99744.1 HRPP Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau89139.4 Independent Tafaese Uili Lautua37116.4Vaimauga West No. 12,198HRPPLenatai Victor Tamapua1,15052.3 Independent Lautimuia Uelese Vaʻai89840.9 Independent Patū Sola Siaosi Hunt1506.8Vaimauga West No. 22,097HRPPFaʻaolesa Katopau Ainuʻu1,55674.2 TSP Lefau Harry Schuster48223.0 Independent Tauamamanuvao Falani Mamea592.8Faleata East 2,364HRPPSalausa John Ah Ching 756 32.0 HRPP Aulavemai Tafito Selesele 60625.6 TSP Aveau Niko Palamo54823.2 HRPP Nuu Tapasu Leung Wai45419.2Faleata West 3,327HRPPLealailepule Rimoni Aiafi1,10233.1 HRPP Ulu Bismarck Crawley96829.1 HRPP Ale Vena Ale90927.3 HRPP Moala Panoa Tavita34810.5Sagaga-Le-Falefa3,412IndependentLoau Keneti Sio1,53645.0 HRPP Tuisa Tulimasealii Tasi1,08731.9 Independent Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa78923.1Sagaga-Le-Usoga 2,196HRPPSeiuli Ueligitone Seiuli1,06248.4 Independent Maulolo Tavita Amosa52724.0 Independent Fata Meafou34115.5 Independent Togatalimā Faafouina Milford26612.1Aana Alofi No. 1 East1,756HRPPTuitama Talalelei Tuitama69139.4 Independent Fesolai Tusiupu Tuigamala54931.3 Independent Fesolai Aleni Sofara51629.4Aana Alofi No. 1 West1,170HRPPLeaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi57048.7 Independent Aiono Tile Gafa46639.8 Independent Lolomatauma Eseta Mataituli726.2 Independent Leaupepe Savelio Leaupepe625.3Aana Alofi No. 21,478 TSP Ili Setefano Taʻateo87859.4 HRPP Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiʻataua60040.6Aana Alofi No. 31,780HRPPAfamasaga Rico Tupai89650.3 TSP Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster76843.2 HRPP Leituala Logona Vaafusuaga1166.5Aiga-i-le-Tai3,069IndependentLaki Mulipola Leiataua1,46747.8 HRPP Ifopo Matia Filisi84727.6 Independent Mulipola Taupau Oliva 65421.3 Independent Tautaiolevao Tautala Asovale1013.3Falelatai and Samatau 2,001HRPPTaefu Lemi88944.4 Independent Anae Misa Pita II Anae78039.0 Independent Toomaga Taefu Salapu33216.6Lefaga and Faleseela2,510 HRPP Toleafoa Ken Vaafusuaga Poutoa94537.7 HRPP Sua Tanielu Faiaoga75230.0 HRPP Lemalu Silivia Taupau45118.0 HRPP Masinalupe Tusipa Venu 2319.2 HRPP Lemalu Nele Leilua863.4 TSP Unasa Tauaipolu Iulia Petelo451.8Safata East 1,351HRPPNonu Lose Niumata54840.6 Independent Leota-Suatlele Manusegi40730.1 HRPP Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell39629.3Safata West 2,404IndependentLeaana Ronnie Posini1,02042.4 TSP Palusalue Faʻapo II70929.5 HRPP Manualesagalala Mati Lemalu67528.1Siumu1,568 Independent Faalogo Iosefa Sopi77849.7 HRPP Tuʻuʻu Anasiʻi Leota73847.2 Independent Afoa Fetulima493.1Falealili East 1,205HRPPFuimaono Teo Samuelu43936.4 HRPP Maiava Viiga Fuimaono35529.5 TSP Fuimaono Aloalii Alex Wright34828.9 HRPP Tofuaiofoia Falefa Lima 373.1 HRPP Fuimaono Esera Rimoni262.2Falealili West2,071IndependentAumua Isaia Lameko74435.9 HRPP Tulsa Misi Tupuola 73735.6 Independent Teo Uuvalu Mauga 32315.6 HRPP Vaetuifeai Poe Elama1668.0 Independent Tuiloma Agaalii Liliva1014.9Aleipata Itupa-I-Lalo1,859HRPPTafua Maluelue Tafua96351.8 Independent Tuiavii Poloma Eteuati54029.1 Independent Faagasealii Sapoa Feagiai1829.8 Independent Vaimasanuu Zita Martel935.0 TSP Letiu Tamatoa Penaia814.4Vaa-o-Fonoti 1,145HRPPTialavea Tionisio Hunt57350.0 Independent Leilua Tavas Leota25422.2 Independent Molioo Pio Leo21518.8 Independent Ofoia Vaipua Nomeneta1039.0Anoamaa East 1,556HRPPAlaiasa Sepulona Moananu72146.3 HRPP Alaiasa Malia Elisapeta34222.0 TSP Poloai Akapo20913.4 HRPP Manu L. Maugatai15710.1 Independent Tofae Alailima Ropeti1076.9 TSP Alaiasa Elena 201.3Anoamaa West 1,919HRPPFonotoe Pierre Lauofo1,16960.9 Independent Leota-Leuluaialii Ituau Ale41221.5 Independent Tufeao Faatuai Pulepule 33817.6 Faasaleleaga No. 1 East 1,503 HRPP Sili Epa Tuioti54936.1 Independent Pauli Ivan Joseph Williams 54336.1 HRPP Leatigaga Tuasivi Samoa41127.4Faasaleleaga No. 1 West 1,589HRPPGatoloaifaana Amataga Alesana-Gidlow89356.2 HRPP Magele Mauiliu Magele62539.3 TSP Talalafai Kapeli Vaiola352.2 TSP Suafoa Faimata Fauena Sua211.3 Independent Vaasilifiti Moelagi Jackson 150.9Faasaleleaga No. 22,359 HRPP Pau Sefo Pau82334.9 HRPP Namulauulu Leota Sami78433.2 TSP Papalii Lio Taeu Masipau75231.9Faasaleleaga No. 31,460HRPPTofa Lio Foleni60241.2 Independent Tea Toala Peato51635.3 HRPP Unasa Faapupula Metuli 25717.6 HRPP Tooala Tulouna Lepou855.8Faasaleleaga No. 41,242HRPPPeseta Vaifou Tevaga67854.6 Independent Vui Umamalu Sione56445.4Gagaemauga No. 11,969 HRPP Sala Fata Pinati1,06454.0 Independent Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio85543.4 TSP Sala Malautea Iose McCarty 502.5Gagaemauga No. 2758HRPPFaasootauloa Pati Taulapapa21628.5 HRPP Seuoti Sheryl Muagututia18324.1 HRPP Aufai Levaopolo Amuimuia 16922.3 HRPP Semau Faamau Levi16321.5 HRPP Lofipo Faletolu Ula273.6Gagaemauga No. 31,584IndependentNafoitoa Talaimanu Keti83852.9 HRPP Faamoetauloa Ulaitino Faale Tumaalii74647.1Gagaifoimauga No. 11,115HRPPFaimalotoa Kika Stowers63256.7 Independent Lavea Natoealofa Ieti48343.3Gagaifoimauga No. 21,308 HRPP Sooalo Umi Feo Mene89168.1 Independent Taulealeausumai Aumalaga Tiotio20916.0 TSP Manuta Lavamaile Uesile20815.9Gagaifoimauga No. 31,096HRPPLaauli Leuatea Schmidt70764.5 Independent Faʻaulusau Rosa Duffy-Stowers38935.5Vaisigano No. 11,412 Independent Lopaoʻo Natanielu Mua89963.7 Independent Paialiʻi Mao II Ropati20114.2 TSP Vaʻai Papu Vailupe19313.7 Independent Amituanai Tautofi Roma644.5 HRPP Tufuga Gafoaleata Faitua553.9Vaisigano No. 21,180HRPPTapulesatele Mauteni Esera71860.8 TSP Motuopuaʻa Uifagasa Aisoli46239.2Falealupo 887TSPAʻeau Peniamina37241.9 HRPP Seumanutafa Akerei Salesa32937.1 HRPP Aʻeau Niulesa Mareko Lamositele18621.0Alataua West 1,217IndependentAliʻimalemanu Alofa Tuuau43235.5 Independent Aiolupotea Taatiti Visekota33227.3 HRPP Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa28023.0 Independent Tuifaiga Loluama Yoshida Tuimaualuga1008.2 TSP Pei Iefata Reupena Tauiliʻili625.1 Independent Momoemausu Siaifa Uipa110.9Salega East 678IndependentOlo Fiti Vaai30545.0 HRPP Tupuai Suimai Tapuai17326.3 TSP Tapuai Toese Ah Sam16424.2 HRPP Tupuai Titi Fuli314.6Salega West 1,191HRPP Toʻomata Aki Tuipea73061.3 TSP Afualo Wood Salele46138.7Palauli East 1,841IndependentTuifaʻasisina Misa Lisati97252.8 HRPP Afoafouvale John Moors66436.1 Independent Fiso Evelini Faʻamoe1236.7 TSP Fiso Taranaki Mailei-Tamasese824.5Palauli West1,957IndependentAfoa Amituanai Faleulu Mauli71036.3 Independent Leotamanusala Lene Leota47924.5 HRPP Agafili Patisela Eteuati Tolovaa45223.1 Independent Mulipola Opalani Ah Ching31616.2Palauli-Le-Falefa1,978HRPPFaumuina Tiatia Liuga76238.5 Independent Leota Laki Lamositele-Sio67133.9 TSP Tiatia Mapesone Malo54527.6Urban East1,735HRPPTapunuu Niko Lee Hang1,36078.4 Independent Pulemagafa Mara Coffin Hunter 32618.8 HRPP Namulauulu M. Nuualofa492.8Urban West 3,201 HRPP Faumuina Asi Pauli Wayne Fong1,19837.4 HRPP Maualaivao Pat Ah Him1,09634.2 HRPP Matafeo Falanaipupu Tanielu Aiafi 88127.5 HRPP Matamua Fred Amoa260.8Sources: Psephos, OEC Uncontested The following candidates were elected unopposed: Constituency CandidateParty Aleipata Itupa-I-Luga Amituanai Fagaivalu Kenrick SamuHRPP Lepā Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Lotofaga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa Satupaitea Lautafi Fio Selafi PurcellSource: Psephos Aftermath After the election, 12 of the 13 independents joined the HRPP. The only independent who did not follow suit was Olo Fiti Vaai, who expressed that he was "saddened" by the TSP's overwhelming loss. He instead opted to rejoin the TSP, claiming to have rejected multiple offers to join the HRPP.Tupufia Lanuola Tusani Count me in, Olo stands up for Tautua http://sobserver.ws/en/06_03_2016/local/3335/Count-me-in-Olo-stands-up-for-Tautua.htm Samoa Observer 5 March 2016 6 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20170809230336/http://samoaobserver.ws/en/06_03_2016/local/3335/Count-me-in-Olo-stands-up-for-Tautua.htm 9 August 2017 live At the first convention of the 16th parliament, the HRPP caucus was 47 members strong, while the TSP had three members. Prime Minister Malielegaoi thanked the citizens for "the overwhelming vote of confidence in our vision for [Samoa]". He credited his party's landslide victory to its "ability to deliver on its promises". He also proclaimed that the most pressing issue to be dealt with by his government in its next term was climate change.Samoa PM still excited by challenge of leading country https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/298253/samoa-pm-still-excited-by-challenge-of-leading-country 19 June 2022 RNZ 7 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220619011156/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/298253/samoa-pm-still-excited-by-challenge-of-leading-country 19 June 2022 live Malielegaoi denied claims that his government had evolved into a dictatorship and pointed to a speech he presented in Savaiʻi during the campaign season to HRPP candidates warning them not to seek election to the legislative assembly if they only intend to use their office for "personal gains". The prime minister also highlighted institutions such as the ministry of police and prisons, the ombudsman's office and the office of the auditor as mechanisms to prevent government corruption.Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Dictatorship claim rejected https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/21525 19 June 2022 Samoa Observer 6 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220619011400/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/21525 19 June 2022 live The HRPP celebrated its electoral triumph by holding a traditional ʻAva ceremony.Ilia L. Likou Political success marked by ava ceremony https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/22042 19 June 2022 Samoa Observer 7 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220619011734/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/22042 19 June 2022 live On 5 March, the HRPP elected long-serving cabinet minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa deputy leader. She defeated fellow veteran HRPP member Faumuina Tiatia Liuga by a caucus vote of 21 to 19.Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Fiame topples Faumuina, elected Deputy Leader https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/21599 27 July 2022 Samoa Observer 6 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20210520192152/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/21599 20 May 2021 live Faapo congratulated the prime minister and the HRPP but also expressed that the result surprised the TSP. He said, "The truth is I’m extremely disappointed. As a party, the result is not what we expected, and we are very sad...". The TSP leader said the absence of an official opposition did not bode well for Samoa and made the country a "one-party state".Pai Mulitalo Ale Money swayed elections, Palu breaks his silence https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/25760 19 June 2022 Samoa Observer 9 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220619014936/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/25760 19 June 2022 live Faapo blamed the TSP's landslide loss on vote-buying. The former shadow minister of finance Afualo Wood Salele shared this sentiment, claiming that candidates offered bags of rice and other foods to voters.Tautua Samoa party finally talks after disastrous poll results https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/298448/tautua-samoa-party-finally-talks-after-disastrous-poll-results RNZ 16 November 2021 9 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116004617/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/298448/tautua-samoa-party-finally-talks-after-disastrous-poll-results 16 November 2021 live The prime minister rejected the TSP's allegations, stating, "You see the first person that claims they did not do wrong is the very person that did wrong", and highlighted an amendment parliament passed before the election that imposed a strict ban on bribery. Malielegaoi claimed the TSP's downfall was due to negligence in leadership and an unfavourable campaign strategy.Negligence blamed for Tautua's downfall https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/34005 18 November 2022 Samoa Observer 14 March 2016 https://archive.today/20221117024726/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/34005 17 November 2022 live Vaai requested that the HRPP consider lowering the seat quota for parties to attain recognition in parliament; members of the ruling party echoed this statement. Palusalue also criticised the policy and stated, "In any democracy, there has to be an opposition party. In my opinion, the number of members should be irrelevant. There must still be a recognised opposition party." With the absence of an official opposition, Malielegaoi instructed 19 HRPP caucus members who were not appointed associate ministers to play the role of the opposition along with the Tautua Samoa MPs.Samoa Tautua and HRPP MPs to play role of opposition https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/299360/samoa-tautua-and-hrpp-mps-to-play-role-of-opposition RNZ 16 November 2021 19 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220310185901/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/299360/samoa-tautua-and-hrpp-mps-to-play-role-of-opposition 10 March 2022 live Faapo ceased to be the TSP leader following his defeat, and the party did not elect a successor.Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Tautua leadership undecided https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/36263 12 December 2022 Samoa Observer 17 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220608041545/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/36263 8 June 2022 live Prime Minister Malielegaoi appointed seven new cabinet ministers. Although re-elected to parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo was not reappointed to cabinet; he was previously fined for traffic offences in 2014. Lauofo was replaced by Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, who became Samoa's first female deputy prime minister.Former Samoa deputy PM left out of cabinet https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/299260/former-samoa-deputy-pm-left-out-of-cabinet RNZ 16 November 2021 18 March 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116004610/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/299260/former-samoa-deputy-pm-left-out-of-cabinet 16 November 2021 liveTHE 12 DISCIPLES https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/37294 Samoa Observer 16 November 2021 19 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116004542/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/37294 16 November 2021 live The O le Ao o le Malo, Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi, officially opened the 16th parliamentary session on 18 March 2016.Sixteenth Parliament sworn-in, New Cabinet Announced https://www.samoagovt.ws/2016/03/sixteenth-parliament-sworn-in-new-cabinet-announced/ www.samoagovt.ws 16 November 2021 18 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220126040726/https://www.samoagovt.ws/2016/03/sixteenth-parliament-sworn-in-new-cabinet-announced/ 26 January 2022 See also List of members of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa (2016–2021) References Bibliography Haley Nicole Ng Shiu Roannie Baker Kerryn Zubrinich Kerry Carter Salā George 2016 Samoa General Election http://ssgm.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/uploads/2017-11/samoa_election_report_2016_0.pdf Australian National University 12 November 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20190401093124/http://ssgm.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/uploads/2017-11/samoa_election_report_2016_0.pdf 1 April 2019 August 2017 dead Haley et al. 2017 Samoa National Elections 2016 https://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Forum-Election-Observer-Report-Samoa-2016.pdf Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat 2 May 2016 22 November 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20190621215754/https://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Forum-Election-Observer-Report-Samoa-2016.pdf 21 June 2019 dead PIF Secretariat 2016 Samoa General Category:Elections in Samoa