Tuimalealiifano Va aletoa Sualauvi II
Photo: Samoa govt
Last night the Head of State went against a Supreme Court ruling for parliament to meet by today at the latest.
The developments are the latest chapter of a political and constitutional crisis in Samoa which began after the elections in April.
The FAST party won the election by a slim majority but the rival HRPP remains in a caretaker role, insisting that the parliament must have six seats for women.
Only five women were elected and Tuimalealiifano said this has to be taken into account. The constitutionally guaranteed seat of the additional woman member in parliament in accordance with Article 44 (1A) of the constitution of Samoa has not been activated yet although the Court of Appeal has confirmed that a sixth woman member is mandatory.