Anetone Sagaga/AP
toggle caption Anetone Sagaga/AP
Samoa was plunged into a constitutional crisis Monday when Prime Minister-elect Fiame Naomi Mata afa, who won an election last month, was locked out of Parliament and the previous leader claimed he remained in charge. Anetone Sagaga/AP
WELLINGTON, New Zealand Samoa was plunged into a constitutional crisis Monday when the woman who won an election last month was locked out of Parliament and the previous leader claimed he remained in charge.
The fast-moving events marked the latest twist in a bitter power struggle that has been playing out in the small Pacific nation since it elected its first female leader. Not only is Samoa s peace and stability at stake, but also its relationship with China.
Fiame Naomi Mata afa became the nation s leader on Monday after the islands long-serving ruler refused to cede power and locked the doors of parliament.
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