2006 Samoan general election
31 March 2006
All 49 seats in the Legislative Assembly
25 seats needed for a majority
  First party Second party
 
Leader Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Le Mamea Ropati
Party HRPP SDUP
Last election 44.82%, 23 seats –
Seats won 33 10
Seat change Increase 10 New
Popular vote 42,156 21,303
Percentage 50.20% 25.37%
Swing Increase5.38pp New
Results by constituency
Prime Minister before election

Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi
HRPP

 Subsequent Prime Minister

Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi
HRPP

General elections were held in Samoa on 31 March 2006 to determine the composition of the 14th Parliament. The main contesting parties were that of incumbent Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi, of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP); and the Samoan Democratic United Party (SDUP). In addition, three other parties, the Christian Party (SCP), the Samoa Party (SP), and the Samoa Progressive Party (SPP), competed in the election. The result was a landslide victory for the HRPP, which won 33 of the 49 seats. The newly founded SDUP secured ten seats, and the remaining six were won by independents.[1] After the election, three independents joined the HRPP, increasing the party's seat count to 36.

Background

During the previous Samoan general election in 2001, the incumbent HRPP won 23 seats but fell short of a majority to form a government.[2] The opposition Samoan National Development Party (SNDP) won 13 seats, whilst the newly founded Samoan United People's Party secured a single seat, and independents won the rest.[3] Le Mamea Ropati became the SNDP leader, following Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi's resignation. The HRPP was able to remain in power due to the support of independents.[2] Following the election, certain independents formed the Samoan United Independents party (SUIP). In December 2003, the SNDP and the SUIP merged to form the Samoan Democratic United Party, with Le Mamea Ropati as its leader and Asiata Sale'imoa Va'ai, previously leader of the SUIP, as deputy leader.[4][5]

Electoral system

During the time of the 2006 election, Samoa's legislative assembly was composed of 49 seats, each serving a five-year term. 47 of the 49 members of parliament were elected from electoral constituencies, whilst the remaining two were elected through independent voters. Candidates were elected using First past the post voting.[1]

Only Matai (chiefs) were permitted to contest any of the 47 constituencies, whilst the other two seats were open to all individuals. Once the final election results are confirmed, the leader of the majority party is appointed prime minister by the O le Ao o le Malo (head of state). The O le Ao o le Malo then appoints cabinet ministers on the advice of the prime minister.[6]

Campaign

The incumbent HRPP government campaigned on the economy, specifically on the economic growth of five per cent, which occurred in 2005.[1] The HRPP also promised to continue development projects if re-elected. The ruling party pledged to proceed with developing roads, schools and the overall education system and tourism by upgrading hotels and advances in agriculture, specifically in crops and livestock. The party also emphasised Cultural preservation and vowed to construct more sports venues for the upcoming South Pacific Games.[7] Tuila'epa predicted the HRPP would secure a two-thirds majority.[8]

The opposition SDUP, on the other hand, led by Le Mamea Ropati, a former HRPP cabinet minister, attacked the HRPP for its past corruption scandals and highlighted the high cost of living.[1] The SDUP pledged to remove the Value Added Goods and Services Tax from essential food items, which they said was the cause of a price hike. Le Mamea claimed that the HRPP would increase the tax if re-elected.[9] The SDUP also attacked the ruling party for causing the national doctors' strike. This strike arose after the HRPP government began to implement a 42% salary increase for civil servants, which was to occur in a series of phases over three years but declined to raise wages for individuals in the health care sector. The Samoan Medical Association was also outraged at the government for this action since they had proposed an increase for doctors in 2004. Despite the SDUP scrutinising the ruling party for the strike, these attacks did little to lower the HRPP's vote count at the ballot box.[10]

The Samoan Christian Party was led into the election by Tuala Falenaoti Tiresa Malietoa, the first woman to lead a political party in Samoan history and the wife of the O le Ao o le Malo, Malietoa Tanumafili II. The Christian party, whose executives were solely composed of women, sought to promote development in all sectors of Samoan society. Tuala stated "...from the beginning of time, the Samoan women have been free and uninhibited in our own cultural organisation. We bring in a new perspective and a new and a fresh attitude to national governance and national development."[11]

The Samoa Progressive Party ran a single candidate, former cabinet minister Toalepaiali'i Toesulusulu Siueva Pose II. Toalepaiali'i criticised the HRPP government for its focus on roads when exports had decreased, which he said had the potential to undermine the benefits of road development. The party campaigned on prioritising education and catering to the needs of citizens, particularly mental and physical development.[12]

The Samoa Party (SP) was founded and led by former auditor-general Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong. He gained international attention as auditor-general after exposing widespread corruption within the HRPP government during the tenure of former prime minister Tofilau Eti Alesana. The party focused on government reform and anti-corruption[13] and intended to establish free education, which Su'a said would fulfil compulsory education.[14] The SP promised to combat corruption by implementing a two-term limit for the premiership and restoring the autonomy of watchdog institutions as part of a "good governance" agenda.[15]

Opinion polling

Voting intention

Pollster Date Sample size HRPP SP SPP SDUP SCP Undecided
Samoa Observer[10] 19 March 2006 200 54.0% 3.0% 7.0% 28.9% 2.5% 8.0%
Samoa Observer[10] 19 February 2006 200 35.5% 9.0% — 45.0% — —
Samoa Observer[16] 14 January 2006 200 32.0% 6.5% 4.0% 43.0% 5.5% 9.0%

Preferred prime minister

Pollster Date Sample size Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong Le Mamea Ropati Other Undecided
Samoa Observer[17] December 2005 200 27% 13.5% 40.5% 19% 4%

Conduct

In December 2005, Tuila'epa announced that the election would take place on 24 February 2006.[8] However, Tuilaʻepa later delayed the election and changed the date several times before settling on 31 March 2006. SDUP leader Le Mamea Ropati criticised the government for the date modifications and questioned if they intended to have an election at all.[18]

Prime minister Tuilaʻepa proposed in January 2006 the introduction of a residency requirement of at least three years to be eligible to vote, which only applied to candidates at the time. Le Mamea dismissed the proposal as a "ploy" to undermine Samoan voters in other countries, which he said primarily backed the SDUP. Tanuvasa Isitolo Lemisio, the electoral commissioner, later confirmed that the current law, which permitted citizens and dual citizens residing overseas to vote as long as they were registered, would remain intact.[19]

Campaigning ceased at 6:30 pm on 30 March, and polling stations opened the following day at 9 am local time.[20][21]

Results

The HRPP secured 33 seats, while the SDUP won ten and independent candidates won six.[1] However, results in the Fa'asalele'aga 3 constituency produced a tie between the top two candidates, incumbent member Unasa Mesi Galo of the HRPP and the SDUP's Tofa Eteuati Si'itia, both with 356 votes each. Unasa prevailed following a subsequent recount.[22]

PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Human Rights Protection Party42,15650.2033+10
Samoan Democratic United Party21,30325.3710New
Samoa Party4,5095.370New
Christian Party5480.650New
Samoa Progressive Party5150.610New
Independents14,93717.796—6
Total83,968100.00490
Valid votes83,96899.56
Invalid/blank votes3720.44
Total ballots cast–
Registered voters/turnout79,284–
Source: Election Passport[23] Election Guide[24] Government of Samoa[25] Psephos[26][lower-alpha 1]

Results by constituency

Source:[27]

Samoan general election, 2006: Vaimauga East (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau 781 36.2
Independent Maposua Fealofani 760 35.3
SDUP Tofele Lata Tavui 587 27.2
SP Tupuanai Avaioi Imoasina 29 1.3
Turnout 2,156
Samoan general election, 2006: Vaimauga West (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Anauli Pofitu Fesili 1,422 20.4
SDUP Sililoto Tolo Tuaifaiva 1,322 19.0
SDUP Patu Ativalu 1,286 18.4
HRPP Taumanupepe Keleso 757 10.9
HRPP Siligatusa Semi Lesa 618 8.9
HRPP Tafemalii Suluvale Alofoe 579 8.3
SP Letaa Tanielu 417 6.0
HRPP Tuiletufuga Siaosi Tuiletufuga 284 4.1
SCP Sagauga Sabu Utaileuo 109 1.6
Turnout 6,974
Samoan general election, 2006: Faleata East (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Manuleleua Lalagofaatasi Falaniko Leleua 331 73.4
HRPP Lepou Petelo II 120 26.6
Turnout 451
Samoan general election, 2006: Faleata West (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi 795 32.4
HRPP Ulu Vaomalo Ulu Kini 630 25.7
HRPP Ale Vena Ale 545 22.2
SDUP Panoa Easter Ah Kuoi 255 10.4
Independent Seiuli Saoaumaga Lino 129 5.3
SDUP Ulugia Aukuso Ulugia 98 4.0
Turnout 2,452
Samoan general election, 2006: Sagaga-Le-Falefa (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Solamalemalo Keneti Sio 738 30.0
SDUP Patea Satini Epati 555 22.6
HRPP Leatupue Pili 365 14.9
HRPP Muaiava Tuaitino Umu Toeava 343 14.0
HRPP Faumuina Laneselota 270 11.0
HRPP Polutele Solomona Matiu 75 3.1
HRPP Moala Samasoni Pomare 72 2.9
SP Tupai Kelly 38 1.5
Turnout 2,456
Samoan general election, 2006: Sagaga-Le-Usoga (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Muagututagata Peter Ah Him 980 40.5
HRPP Taliaoa Pita Ulia 658 27.2
SDUP Fata Saifoloi 434 17.9
Independent Luafatasaga Maanaima Sega 252 10.4
Independent Saena Tialino Penaia II 95 3.9
Turnout 2,419
Samoan general election, 2006: A'ana Alofi No. 1 (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Toleafoa Apulu Fa'afisi 653 16.6
HRPP Aiono Tile Gafa 531 13.5
SDUP Maiava Visekota Peteru 460 11.7
SDUP Suemalo Lipa Vaoga 420 10.7
Independent Leaupepetele Denis Leaupepetele 386 9.8
Independent Sauvao Taueva Sio Vaauli 363 9.2
Independent Suafoa Fuimaono Lautasi II 334 8.5
SP Semaoa Feausi 325 8.3
SCP Fesolai Logomalieimatagi Tepa Toloa 222 5.6
SP Leofo Aipovi Aiono 193 4.9
HRPP Talamatavao Malua 49 1.2
Turnout 3,936
Samoan general election, 2006: A'ana Alofi No. 2 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua 425 36.0
SDUP Tulilo Paulo Leutele 350 29.7
Independent Agaseata Livi 119 10.1
SP Lemaluafaitoaga Sauni Felise 104 8.8
SDUP Amiatu Sagato Amiatu 92 7.8
Independent Samoa Pita 90 7.6
Turnout 1,180
Samoan general election, 2006: A'ana Alofi No. 3 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Vaeolenofoafia Tapasu 654 30.9
SPPP Toalepaialii Siu Pose Salesa III 515 24.4
SDUP Fagafagamanualii Theresa McCarthy 246 11.6
HRPP Manu Taialofa Tuitofa Naseri 238 11.3
SDUP Talimatasi Setu 187 8.8
HRPP Aanamaaitu Pasitale Afamasaga 172 8.1
SDUP Letelemaaana Talalelei 102 4.8
Turnout 2,114
Samoan general election, 2006: Aiga-I-Le-tai (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Mulipola Oliva 819 32.8
Independent Vaatiuola Lautolo Misi 690 27.6
HRPP Levaa Sauaso 498 19.9
Independent Leiataualesa Vaiao 225 9.0
Independent Taimalelagi Naotala 158 6.3
Independent Lesa Tominiko Lesa Niko 80 3.2
Independent Leiataualesa Niko Fidow 27 1.1
Turnout 2,497
Samoan general election, 2006: Falelatai & Samatau (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Misa Telefoni Retzlaff 852 76.2
Independent Olomoutu Salapu Asalele 266 23.8
Turnout 1,118
Samoan general election, 2006: Lefaga & Falese'ela (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Le Mamea Ropati 1,114 55.5
HRPP Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe 565 28.2
HRPP Iputau Sami Lemalu 302 15.0
Independent Taloaina Moana Tuala Tamalelagi 26 1.3
Turnout 2,007
Samoan general election, 2006: Safata (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Palusalue Faʻapo II 1,019 20.9
SDUP Tuia Pua Fuatogi Letoa 897 18.4
HRPP Auseugaefa Tuvaifale Vaasatia Poloma Komiti 867 17.8
SDUP Seve Sung Chan Chui 756 15.5
HRPP Leota-Suatele Manusegi Suatele 590 12.1
SP Toeta Toafa 519 10.7
SDUP Seve Leu Ruta Tofaeono 219 4.5
Turnout 4,867
Samoan general election, 2006: Si'umu (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tuu'u Anasi'i Leota 679 56.9
Independent Tupuola Tevaseu Mano Sola Siaosi Hunt 481 40.3
Independent Afoa Fetulima Nonu 33 2.8
Turnout 1,193
Samoan general election, 2006: Falealili (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tuiloma Lameko 1,186 20.5
SDUP Fuimaono Naoia Tei 1,065 18.4
Independent Tusa Misi Tupuola 931 16.1
HRPP Fuimaono Puleimanufiu Faasopo 883 15.3
HRPP Fuimaono Esera Rimoni 748 12.9
SDUP Alaimoana Esau Ropati 480 8.3
Independent Leilua Punivalu 218 3.8
SP Talauega Lafi 106 1.8
Independent Fuimaono Naoia Fereti Tupua 96 1.7
Independent Fonoti Faagalu Taeao-o-alii 73 1.3
Turnout 5,786
Samoan general election, 2006: Lotofaga (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa 481 65.1
SDUP Fata Siaosi 257 34.8
Turnout 738
Samoan general election, 2006: Lepā (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi Unopposed
Turnout
Samoan general election, 2006: Aleipata-Itupa-I-luga (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Taua Kitiona Seuala 676 66.1
Independent Fuataga Kasimani 332 32.5
SCP Lavatai Mailagi 14 1.4
Turnout 1,022
Samoan general election, 2006: Aleipata Itupa-I-Lalo (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Paepae Kapeli Sua 731 43.0
HRPP Tautoloitua Farani Posala 627 36.9
HRPP Utuga Faamanatu Faaaliga 258 15.2
SP Tauiliili Joe Kolose Fruean 62 3.6
Independent Letiu Elisapeta Tali Lee 23 1.4
Turnout 1,701
Samoan general election, 2006: Va'a-O-Fonoti (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Leao Talalelei Tuitama 369 24.5
SDUP Togiai Fuatau Eteuati Faiilagi 365 24.3
Independent Taito Aliifaalogo Faitele 348 23.1
HRPP Leniu Fea Tionisio Seinafolava Hunt 269 17.9
HRPP Leilua Tavas Leota 153 10.2
Turnout 1,504
Samoan general election, 2006: Anoama'a East (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Moefaauo Lufilufi 628 35.0
HRPP Savea Sione 617 34.4
SDUP Lealaisalanoa Francis Hugo Siliva Nickel 312 17.4
SP Fogamomi Tomanogi Sapati Moeono 211 11.7
Independent Faamatuainu Tala Mailei 28 1.6
Turnout 1,796
Samoan general election, 2006: Anoama'a West (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo 1,149 55.0
SDUP Leota Leuluaiali'i Ituau Ale 834 39.9
SP Manu Falaula 105 5.0
Turnout 2,088
Samoan general election, 2006: Fa'asalele'aga No. 1 (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Gatoloaifaana Amataga Alesana-Gidlow 710 14.7
HRPP Tiata Pulufana Saunoa 707 14.6
SDUP Tuilimu Manuele Paletasala 614 12.7
SDUP Tofilau Tauvaga 437 9.0
HRPP Fiu Loimata II 389 8.0
SDUP Leauanae Makiasi S 352 7.3
Independent Leaana Sosaiete 308 6.4
Independent Pauli Taavili 302 6.2
Independent Tofilau Saolele 271 5.6
HRPP Pipi Samasina 264 5.5
Independent Sili Alapati 177 3.7
HRPP Leota Semisi 165 3.4
Independent Tofilau Semeli Sinai 120 2.5
Turnout 4,834
Samoan general election, 2006: Fa'asalele'aga No. 2 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Pau Sefo Pau 505 32.5
SDUP Leasnapapa Laki 459 29.5
HRPP Papalii Memea Samuelu Petaia 419 26.9
HRPP Tuilagi Iakopo James Bartley 150 9.6
Independent Namulau’ulu Vavae Tuilagi 23 1.5
Turnout 1,556
Samoan general election, 2006: Fa'asalele'aga No. 3 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Unasa Mesi Galo 367 25.4
SDUP Tofa Eteuati Siitia 361 25.0
Independent Unasa Felise Moors 281 19.5
Independent Sua Ioelu 195 13.5
HRPP Tooala Tulouna 163 11.3
Independent Toala Tanielu 77 0.5
Turnout 1,444
Samoan general election, 2006: Fa'asalele'aga No. 4 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Mulitalo Sealiimalietoa Siafausa Vui 689 60.7
SP Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong 436 38.4
Independent Peseta Senio Lauvao 10 0.9
Turnout 1,135
Samoan general election, 2006: Gaga'emauga No. 1 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Sala Fata Pinati 1,068 64.3
SP Sala Vaimili II Uili Ioane 490 29.5
SCP Tuala Falenaoti Tiresa Malietoa 103 6.2
Turnout 1,661
Samoan general election, 2006: Gaga'emauga No. 2 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Levaopolo Talatonu Va’ai 393 41.9
HRPP Faasootauloa Pati 388 41.4
SP Toiaivao Faimafili Lauano 150 16.0
Independent Saofia Omeli Sealiimalietoa 7 0.7
Turnout 938
Samoan general election, 2006: Gaga'emauga No. 3 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Galuvao Viliamu Sepulona 481 37.4
HRPP Leota Lu II 464 36.1
SDUP Seuamuli Sapio Tooala 255 19.8
SDUP Maiava Faafuata 89 6.9
Turnout 1,285
Samoan general election, 2006: Gaga'ifomauga No. 1 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tuilo'a Anitelea 366 38.7
HRPP Gaina Aukusitino 297 31.4
Independent Peseta Toleafoa Lua Nafoi 254 26.8
SDUP Gaono Silino 29 3.1
Turnout 946
Samoan general election, 2006: Gaga'ifomauga No. 2 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Safuneituuga Paaga Neri 404 31.4
Independent Sooalo Siliga 289 22.5
Independent Faalafeitele Alofiotaoa Natuitasina Tugaga 277 21.5
Independent Mamea Minnie lofa Tumanuvao Matalavea 109 8.5
SP Feo Nemaia Esau 90 7.0
SDUP Manuta Lavamaile 69 5.4
Independent Fui Tifaga 49 3.8
Turnout 1,287
Samoan general election, 2006: Gaga'ifomauga No. 3 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP La'auli Leuatea Polataivao 593 60.9
SDUP Segi Usufono Tauanae 294 30.2
SP Polataivao Ila Matagi 77 7.9
HRPP Polataivao Savelio 5 0.5
SDUP Tupaimanaia Ioane 4 0.4
Turnout 973
Samoan general election, 2006: Vaisigano No. 1 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Va'ai Papu Vailupe 1,095 52.9
HRPP Masoe Toga Potoi 802 38.8
SDUP Lealiifanolevalevale Iopu Tanielu 154 7.4
Turnout 2,069
Samoan general election, 2006: Vaisigano No. 2 (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Motuopuaa Uifagasa Aisoli 597 44.5
HRPP Toleafoa Mauteni Tamasone Metuli II Esera 449 33.4
SDUP Valasi Togamaga Tafito Selesele 297 22.1
Turnout 1,343
Gisa Fuatai Purcell
Samoan general election, 2006: Falealupo (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Aeau Peniamina 634 73.1
HRPP Solia Sefo Kalolo 167 19.3
HRPP Gisa Fuatai Purcell 66 7.6
Turnout 867
Samoan general election, 2006: Alataua West (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa 421 37.6
SDUP Seuula Ioane 381 34.0
HRPP Tuaiaufai Latu 256 22.8
SDUP Lolomatausama Siuola 63 5.6
Turnout 1,121
Samoan general election, 2006: Salega (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tapuai Sepulona Moamanu 861 26.9
HRPP Toomata Alapati Toomata 781 24.4
SDUP Leilua Manuao 626 19.6
SDUP Tapuai Toese 417 13.0
SP Muagutuia Mose 354 11.0
SP Afualo Pule Afualo 162 5.1
Turnout 3,201
Samoan general election, 2006: Palauli West (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Taua Falaimo 681 37.8
HRPP Afoa Faleulu Mauli 498 27.7
HRPP Amituanai Tausisi 260 14.4
HRPP Tamala Uilisone Leuluaialii 213 11.8
HRPP Leilua Tutogi 148 8.2
Turnout 1,800
Samoan general election, 2006: Satupa'itea (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
SDUP Asiata Sale'imoa Va'ai 591 43.6
HRPP Selesele Tanielu Asiata 565 41.6
HRPP Tavui Iose Gray 201 14.8
Turnout 1,357
Samoan general election, 2006: Palauli (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Toluono Feti 585 36.7
SDUP Laulu Ianeta Tui Laulu 544 34.1
HRPP Leituala Tuuaga II 351 22.0
HRPP Seumanufagai Pueleo 88 5.5
HRPP Autagavaia Lave 28 1.8
Turnout 1,596
Samoan general election, 2006: Palauli-Le-Falefa (1 member)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Taua Falaimo 1,103 69.6
Independent Le Tagaloa Pita 481 30.4
Turnout 1,584
Samoan general election, 2006: Individual Voters (2 members)
Party Candidate Votes %
HRPP Tapunuu Niko Lee Hang 1,040 30.5
HRPP Hans Joachim Keil 725 21.3
Independent Wilson Edward Lotasiano 414 12.1
SDUP Jensen Taimang 389 11.4
SP Craig Farell 357 10.5
SP Godinet Hymel Joseph 284 8.3
SDUP Michael Edward Hunt 101 3.0
SCP Silva Meleane Elaine 100 2.9
Turnout 3,410

Aftermath

Three independents decided to join the HRPP upon their electoral triumph, increasing the ruling party's seat share to 36.[22][28]

Following the HRPP's victory, prime minister Tuilaʻepa promised to focus on the "well-being of the people". He expressed, "We have very little natural resources, so the yeoman asset is so important to us. We will concentrate on improving the education of our people as well as [their] health."[29] Tuilaʻepa and deputy prime minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, were comfortably re-elected as leader and deputy leader of the HRPP respectively by the party caucus.[30]

The results took the opposition SDUP by surprise, as polling earlier in 2006 predicted a comfortable victory for the party. Opposition leader Le Mamea announced that the party would assess how to proceed; the number of seats the party won was similar to that before the dissolution of the 13th Parliament. Le Mamea stated, "several weeks before the election we were right up at the top of the polls. Even myself as the preferred prime minister and the party as the ruling party. People needed a change. That is what I meant when I said we were very surprised. We did not anticipate this result."[29]

The leader of the Samoa Progressive Party, Toalepaiali'i, blamed the opposition parties' losses on bribery on the part of the HRPP and claimed that prime minister Tuilaʻepa was knowledgeable about the matter.[31] Tuilaʻepa denied these assertions and attributed his party's landslide victory to economic growth, as well as an alleged flawless record of improving the standard of living. He also stated that the opposition parties "had themselves to blame" for failing to attain more seats and said that the SDUP's attack strategy did not bode well for voters. Tuilaʻepa encouraged them to hold party conferences to analyse errors made in the election.[32]

Ten candidates filed election petitions alleging various irregularities.[33] Three of these were subsequently withdrawn,[34] and five went to trial,[35] of which three were eventually upheld. Fa'asalele'aga No. 2 MP Pau Sefo Pau was deprived of his seat after being found guilty of four counts of bribery and one of treating. The petitioner, Leanapapa Laki, was also convicted of ten counts of bribery.[36] In Aleipata Itupa-I-Lalo, Paepae Kapeli Su'a was found guilty of two counts of bribery, while the petitioner was found guilty of three counts of bribery and three of treating.[37] And in Fa'asalele'aga No. 4, Mulitalo Vui Siafausa was convicted of bribery after making a gift of fine mats to a village outside his constituency. The petitioner, Samoa Party leader Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong was also convicted of bribery for giving someone money and a television set.[38] All those convicted were deprived of their seats and barred from standing in the subsequent by-elections.

The parliamentary session was officially opened by the O le Ao o le Malo, Malietoa Tanumafili II, on 30 May 2006.[39]

Notes

  1. ↑ According to Adam Carr because in double-member seats voters cast two votes, it is not possible to give national aggregate votes by party.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Elections in 2006". IPU. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  2. 1 2 "HRPP Reclaims Control of Samoa Government, Tuilaepa Still Prime Minister". Pacific Islands Report. 16 March 2001. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  3. ↑ "Election Guide". Archived from the original on 11 September 2021. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  4. ↑ Asofou So'o (2005). "The establishment and operation of Samoa's political party system". In Roland Rich, Luke Hambly and Michael G. Morgan (ed.). Political Parties in the Pacific Islands. Canberra: Pandanus Books. p. 195.
  5. ↑ "Now Another Opposition Leader in Samoa". Pacific Islands Report. 21 March 2001. Archived from the original on 24 November 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  6. ↑ "Election Guide". Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "Samoa prime minister says future depends on party caucus". RNZ. 20 August 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  8. 1 2 "Date set for elections in Samoa". RNZ. 12 December 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  9. ↑ "Samoa Democratic United Party vows to scrap VAT if elected". RNZ. 23 February 2006. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  10. 1 2 3 Unasa L. F, Va'a (2007). "Sāmoa". The Contemporary Pacific. 19 (1): 247–256. doi:10.1353/cp.2007.0038. ISSN 1527-9464. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  11. ↑ "First woman to lead Samoa political party outlines polic". RNZ. 16 January 2006. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  12. ↑ "Fourth party to contest Samoa elections". RNZ. 9 January 2006. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  13. ↑ "Former Samoan auditor general aims to lead new party into parliament". RNZ. 20 September 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  14. ↑ "An opposition party in Samoa pledges to provide free education". RNZ. 27 February 2006. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  15. ↑ "Samoa's newest political party says it would restrict the tenure of a future leader to two terms". RNZ. 17 October 2005. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "Samoa opposition party takes lead in newspaper election survey". RNZ. 18 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  17. ↑ "Main opposition leader in Samoa set to be next PM - poll". RNZ. 13 December 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "Samoa opposition queries decision to postpone election". RNZ. 31 December 2005. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  19. ↑ "Leader of Samoa's SDUP disputes residency issue ahead of vote". RNZ. 11 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "Election campaign in Samoa about to end". RNZ. 31 March 2006. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "Final moves in Samoa's election campaign". RNZ. 31 March 2006. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  22. 1 2 "Samoa recount gives HRPP 36 seats". RNZ. 18 April 2006. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  23. ↑ "WS (1)". Election Passport. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  24. ↑ "Independent State of Samoa Election for Fono". Election Guide. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  25. ↑ "14th Parliament". parliament.gov.ws. Archived from the original on 1 October 2006. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  26. ↑ Adam Carr. "Elections to the Fono (Legislative Assembly)". psephos.adam-carr.net. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  27. ↑ "Samoa General Election final official counts of electoral constituencies". Event Polynesia. 14 April 2006. Archived from the original on 12 November 2006. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  28. ↑ "Samoa's HRPP ruling party increases its support to 35 of the 49 seats". RNZ. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  29. 1 2 "Samoa ruling party returned to office in weekend election". RNZ. 3 April 2006. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  30. ↑ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia (12 April 2006). "Samoa's ruling HRPP reconfirm leaders for another five years". RNZ. Apia. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  31. ↑ "Defeated Samoan leader says election loss due to bribery". RNZ. 1 May 2006. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  32. ↑ "Samoa PM says opposition to blame itself for poll loss". RNZ. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  33. ↑ "Supreme Court to hear ten election petitions in May". Event Polynesia. 27 April 2006. Archived from the original on 12 November 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  34. ↑ "Three election petitions withdrawn, but seven remain", EventPolynesia.com, 6 May 2006
  35. ↑ "Supreme Court begins hearing Election petitions" Archived 2006-11-12 at the Wayback Machine, EventPolynesia.com, 29 May 2006
  36. ↑ "Polynesia in Review: Samoa" Archived 2011-05-17 at the Wayback Machine, The Contemporary Pacific, 20, Spring 2008, p 244.
  37. ↑ Ibid.
  38. ↑ Ibid.
  39. ↑ "Head of State opened Samoa’s 14th Parliament" Archived 2006-11-12 at the Wayback Machine, EventPolynesia.com, 31 May 2006
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