28 May 2015

Samoa opposition says Mata'afa should quit

3:37 pm on 28 May 2015

Samoa's opposition party, Tautua Samoa, says the Minister of the Electoral Commissioner's office, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, must step down.

The opposition leader, Palusalue Faapo II, says the minister's failure to have her proposed constituency boundaries amendment passed brings shame on her government.

Palusalue says it is the first time in the history of the Samoan parliament that legislation proposed by a government minister has been voted out by the ruling party, including five of its cabinet ministers.

The new electoral amendment changing the boundaries of the newly established urban seats for Vaimauga and Faleata districts was passed earlier this week after Fiame's original amendment was thrown out following public consultations.

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