A large crowd of women singing songs and waving signs lined both sides of the road leading to the Courthouse in Apia where the Samoan Court of Appeal is hearing an appeal by the Electoral Commissioner and HRPP candidate, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau.
Protesters at the march in Apia
Photo: HRPP
Aliimalemanu was an unsuccessful candidate in the 9 April election but was then selected by the commissioner to join parliament under the law that ensures 10 percent of parliament is comprised of women.
The appeal is against the Samoan Supreme Court ruling which declared that Aliimalemanu s selection was unconstitutional. The court then nullified and voided her appointment.
Samoa election crisis: What you need to know rnz.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rnz.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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But in a late night decision over the weekend, current head of state Tuimaleali ifano Va aleto a Sualauvi II canceled Monday s parliamentary sitting without explanation, New Zealand national broadcaster Radio New Zealand reported.
Although Samoa s Supreme Court ruled Sunday that the order cancelling the parliamentary sitting was unlawful, FAST arrived at Parliament on Monday to find the doors locked, according to RNZ. I think a coup would be accurate, FAST spokesman Lance Apulu told RNZ when asked to describe Monday s events. Bloodless, but they are actually coups.
FAST went ahead with the swearing-in ceremony on Monday in a tent, RNZ reported, although it is unclear how legitimate those proceedings will be. Monday was the final possible day a new parliament can be formed under the constitution.
사모아 첫 여성 총리, 전임자 퇴임 거부로 야외 텐트서 취임 mk.co.kr - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mk.co.kr Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.