It appears unlikely the Samoa opposition Tautua party will be recognised within parliament, with the Prime Minister instructing some of his own MPs to play the role of opposing the government according to RNZI's correspondent.
Temporary Samoa Parliament at Tuana'imato sport complex. Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Under the current standing orders a political party must have eight MPs in order to be recognized.
With the Tautua party only securing three of the 50 seats in the general election, party members had called on the new government to consider lowering that number.
However, according to our correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is unlikely to do this.
"They consider to have the three MPs of the Tautua to be independents in parliament, and plus 19 other HRPP MPs, who will not be appointed as associate ministers, to play the role of opposing the government."
Autagavaia said just 13 MPs are expected to be appointed as associate ministers this year.
Samoa's new line up of Government ministers
- 1. Fiame Naomi Mataafa - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Deputy Prime Minister)
- 2. Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell - Minister of Labour, Government Enterprises, Tourism and Samoa Land Corporation
- 3. Tuitama Talalelei Tuitama - Minister of Health
- 4. Sala Fata Pinati - Minister of Police and Prisons
- 5. Sili Epa Tuioti - Minister of Finance (new)
- 6. Faimalotoa Kika Iemaima Stowers - Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development (new)
- 7. Laauli Polataivao Leuatea Schmidt - Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Scientific Research of Samoa (new)
- 8. Afamasaga Rico Tupa'i - Minister of Telecommunication and Technology (new)
- 9. Faaolesa Katopau Ainu'u - Minister of Justice (new)
- 10. Tialavea Tionisio Hunt - Minister of Revenues (new)
- 11. Papalii Niko Lee Hang - Minister of Works and Infrastructure
- 12. Loau Keneti Sio - Minister of Education, Sports and Culture (new)
- 13. Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi - Prime Minister, Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Attorney General, and Public Service Commission