Samoa's first female Prime Minister takes office, celebrates 'win for the rule of law'

Samoa's first female Prime Minister has taken office in what she describes as a win not just for her Party but for "the rule of law".

Fiame Naomi Mata'afa told The AM Show on Monday she was glad to have some finality after what's been "quite a prolonged process".

"We're very thankful to have arrived at a decision which will allow us to move forward," she said.

Mata'afa's FAST Party won the April 9 election, but the outgoing Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi refused to hand over his power.

The ensuing struggle saw Mata'afa sworn in at a ceremony on the lawns of Parliament as she was locked out of the building.

Malielegaoi called the move "treason". He refused to stand aside as he accused Mata'afa of "the highest form of illegal conduct".

"The Devil has won and taken them over."

On Friday the Court of Appeal ruled the impromptu swearing-in was legal and from that date, the FAST party had been the legitimate government of Samoa.

Mata'afa confirmed on Monday the outgoing Prime Minister has still not contacted her to concede his loss, contrary to traditional protocol.

The outgoing government is expected to vacate its offices by the end of Monday's working day so that her government can move in on Tuesday.

"[On Tuesday] we will hold our first Cabinet and we're looking to convene parliament this week," she said.

She is thankful the coup is finally over, saying her taking office is "a win for the rule of law".

"The Government was sliding away from the rule of law and that would have shattered the foundations this country stands on." 

 

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