Samoa

Opinion - The latest decision by Samoa's Supreme Court is a final warning to caretaker prime minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, argues law lecturer Dylan Asafo.

A second by-election is now required in Samoa after two candidates withdrew electoral challenges against each other.

Samoa's Supreme Court has ruled that parliament must finally convene within seven days, following a protracted political and constitutional impasse since April's election.

The Court of Appeal in Samoa says its ruling from 2 June on the sixth women's seat cannot be used to delay the convening of parliament.

Seven new caps will start for Manu Samoa against the Māori All Blacks on Saturday, with another four players set to make their debut off the bench.

Saturday's game between the Māori All Blacks and Samoa in Te Whanganui-a-Tara is more than just an on-field clash for many of the players.

Manu Samoa's first rugby game in more than 600 days will be played behind closed doors after the Wellington region moved to alert level two.

The Samoa Court of Appeal has reserved its decision after a request for clarification by the FAST party.

Manu Samoa might require reinforcements with players still overseas and trying to secure a place in one of New Zealand's Managed Isolation Quarantine facilities.

Saturday's clash between Manu Samoa and the Māori All Blacks in Wellington will be an extra special affair for three men in blue.

A decision is now expected early next week in Samoa on the constitutionality of the FAST Party swearing in on the lawn in front of parliament on 24th May.