25 May 2021

Samoa election: Both parties claim government powers

From Morning Report, 8:10 am on 25 May 2021

It was a day of political tension and tactics in Samoa yesterday - and its uncertain what will happen today.

The country's majority FAST party was yesterday locked out of Parliament by the caretaker government - an action which FAST is describing as a bloodless coup.

The party, led by Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, staged an unprecedented swearing-in ceremony in a marquee tent on parliament's grounds instead.

Samoa correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says he spoke to the FAST party leader last night, who told him they will attempt to go ahead with their work as the new government.