Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa asked for blessings and guidance for the incoming prime minister and government as she formally conceded following the results of the 29 August general election.

Fiame extended her congratulations to the Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) leader Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt in a statement acknowledging his mandate and the responsibilities that come with leading the country. 

She wished Laaulialemalietoa wisdom and God’s guidance as he prepares to assume the role of head of government.

“The office of Prime Minister is a calling to serve Samoa and its people under the Constitution and the laws of the land,” Fiame said. “May your leadership be blessed and guided for the welfare of our nation.”

The concession comes after the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, under Laaulialemalietoa’s leadership, secured a decisive victory at the polls. FAST captured 30 seats in the Legislative Assembly, giving it a clear majority over the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), which won 14 seats, and the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), established by Fiame earlier this year, which claimed three seats. Independents won four seats.

The outcome marks the end of Fiame’s tenure as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister, a position she has held since 2021. Her government was forced into a snap election after failing to pass the national budget, a development that underscored growing divisions within FAST and ultimately led to her split from the party.

Laaulialemalietoa, who previously served in Fiame’s cabinet before being dismissed earlier this year, emerged from the political rift to consolidate support within FAST and guide the party to victory. His swearing-in will follow the formal opening of the 18th Parliament, expected to convene by mid-September.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have indicated plans to file election petitions, raising concerns over alleged irregularities, including claims of vote-buying. However, observers suggest these challenges are unlikely to overturn the overall outcome of the election.

For now, Samoa prepares for a transition in leadership as Laaulialemalietoa prepares to assume office, with Fiame calling on all members of parliament to serve with integrity and dedication to the needs of their constituencies and the nation.