The Samoa Parliament has approved a recommendation to revisit Samoa's Constitution to clarify the wording of the 10 per cent quota for women's seats and how it is calculated.
There had been a recommendation from a parliamentary committee looking into the political crisis which followed the 2021 election to scrap the entire provision.
The Samoa Observer said the committee modified its recommendation on the issue, and it was one of several out of more than 50 approved by the Legislative Assembly on Friday.
Samoa Parliament in session. October 2023. Photo: Parliament of Samoa
The initial report from the Committee tabled by chairman, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua, earlier his week called for the entire provision to be removed.
But Auapa'au clarified its position yesterday, saying the wording of the Constitution on the 10 per cent women's seats quota was not clear and needs to be amended by the parliament so that it speaks clearly on the formula.
Debate on the matter indicated strong support for keeping the quota provision for women but with a clearer wording on how to measure the 10 percent.
The chair didn't go into details on its other recommendations but noted that the cabinet will prepare appropriate amendments according to its findings which will be tabled in the House in the future.
Parliament has been adjourned until December this year.