C ommo nwe a l t h memb e r c o u n t r i e s Government and politics Last elections: March 2011 Next elections: 2016 Head of State: Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi (2007–) Head of Government: Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi Ruling party: Human Rights Protection Party In the general election in March 2001, the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) – with 24 seats – won more seats than any other party, but was nonetheless challenged by the combined strength of the United Independents (11 seats) and Samoa National Development Party (SNDP; 13). On the resumption of parliament, however, HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was re-elected Prime Minister and enough independents joined the HRPP to give it an absolute majority. The general election in March 2006 saw a return to power of the HRPP, increasing its number of seats to 33 with gains from both Samoa Democratic United Party (formerly SNDP, with ten seats) and independents (six). Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State since independence in January 1962, died in May 2007 aged 94. According to the constitution, in June 2007 the Fono elected Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi as his successor for a five-year term. In the March 2011 general election the HRPP and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi were returned with an increased majority. The HRPP and independents supporting the HRPP together secured 36 seats. The opposition Tautua Samoa Party won 13 seats. In July 2012 the Fono re-elected Tupua unopposed for a second five-year term as Head of State. Local government Ministry: Women, Community and Social Development The matai title holders (chiefs of aiga, or extended families, of whom there are around 25,000), whose office is elective for life, still administer local government in the traditional manner. They are trustees for customary land held on behalf of the people, which makes up about 80 per cent of all the land in the country. This system of local government is provided for by the Village Fono Act 1990 and the Internal Affairs Act 1995. The Division of Internal Affairs of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development is responsible for local government, which comprises the National Capital District Council; 26 urban authorities; and 286 village councils (fono). The local government authorities have revenue-raising powers, as well as receiving transfers from national government for specific projects from time to time. They work with central government on the delivery of public health and hygiene; education; law and justice; water supply; construction of plantation roads; agriculture and fisheries support services; and leisure facilities. National development plan The long-term goal of the Ministry of Finance’s development planning is an ‘improved quality of life for all’. The medium-term national development plan, the Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2012–16, was published in July 2012, after an extensive stakeholder consultation and review of the 2008–12 Strategy. It sets out sectoral priority areas and strategies. Policy The key sectoral strategies in the medium-term plan include: • Maintaining macroeconomic stability • Scaling-up investment in tourism • Promoting a healthy and an educated Samoa • Improving the business environment • Strengthening social cohesion and stability • Improving infrastructural services • Managing natural resources sustainably, increasing investment in renewable energy sources and mainstreaming climate change and disaster resilience Governance Implicit in all these key strategies is the need to improve governance and strengthen governance institutions. Further information Government of Samoa: www.govt.ws Commonwealth Secretariat: www.thecommonwealth.org Commonwealth Governance: www.commonwealthgovernance.org Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2013/14 256 Governance institutions Electoral Commissioner: www.oec.gov.ws Parliament of Samoa: www.parliament.gov.ws Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: www.mpmc.gov.ws Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration: www.mjca.gov.ws Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development: www.mwcsd.gov.ws Ministry of Finance: www.mof.gov.ws Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour: www.mcil.gov.ws Central Bank of Samoa: www.cbs.gov.ws
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