Samoa has plunged deep into an unprecedented constitutional and political crisis.
A dramatic series of developments in Apia over the last few days have added new twists to the protracted political impasse created in the wake of last month's general election.
The party which emerged from April's poll with a majority, FAST, has sought to form government but has been faced with repeated obstacles as the caretaker prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi appears unwilling to let go of power.
Jamie Tahana has been following developments.
Escorted by the police commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, the chief justice and other judges walked to parliament to inspect proceedings, tried to open the locked door, and returned down the road to the courthouse Photo: Stoiraczalfosanial Lesatele
