Prime Minister-elect, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has called on the caretaker Prime Minister to accept his defeat and step down saying, “it is time for this charade to end.”

The Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) leader said while she and the nation thank Human Rights Protection Party leader, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi for his contribution and achievements in developing Samoa and the world, his refusal to relinquish power is undoing his good works as the world watches. 

“I address these comments to Tuilaepa: your long legacy is an extraordinary one of great achievement and global milestones, for which this country is rightly grateful, however, the more disruptive and disrespectful you become, the more that unique legacy is diminished and tarnished, by your own words and your own deeds,” a translation of her address marked with the Prime Minister's Office seal on Friday evening reads.

“Please think of our people and allow our Government to take the reins of power from you, peacefully, respectfully and honourably so we may make our own contributions to this land.” 

To date, the two political parties are staking their claims as Samoa's official Government, following the swearing-in of Samoa’s first elected woman Prime Minister, Fiame, outside Parliament last Monday evening under a tent, as the Parliament was locked.

The P.M-elect continued to remind the public service to not let the “same ill-will” of a few public servants that “embarrassed” the country earlier in the week, poison the need to allow the transition from old to new. 

“My expectations of the public service are to do your jobs to the best of your ability, and meet the needs of our people,” she said. 

“It is time for the ex-P.M. to acknowledge that H.R.P.P. lost 26 seats at the general election. 

“It is time for them to start their plans to move out of the roles and offices they occupy and allow the public service to focus on the changes to come, in a businesslike and orderly way. 

“It is my earnest prayer that the transition will be carried out quickly and efficiently.” 

Fiame noted that in any government transition, it is normal for the new Government to work closely with the outgoing Ministers; however, that has not been the case. 

She alleged the caretaker Prime Minister is threatening the Ministry heads that he remains the leader of the country and “weak-kneed” leaders in the Government offices are giving in. 

“But sadly the ex-Prime Minister and his band of expired Ministers (some of whom are still shamelessly driving Government vehicles even after losing their seats), and the weak-kneed C.E.O’s who carry out his Orders, have tried to make things as difficult as possible including having multiple meetings this and last week of all C.E.O’s in order to scare them into line and stating, wrongly, that he remains the P.M. and they must be loyal to him,” Fiame said. 

“Police have been seen at Government offices protecting them from nothing much like the Head of State. 

“It is time for this charade to end.” 

She also called on the H.R.P.P. members to contact the Speaker-elect of Parliament for an arrangement for their swearing in as official Members of the XVII Parliament of Samoa. 

“I am extremely concerned, that the 25 districts which you represent are currently unrepresented in our Parliament,” Fiame said. 

“Whether it is when Parliament reconvenes, to start the Budget debates, or earlier before the Speaker at another time. 

“Please don’t rely on a ceremony conducted in Parliament but devoid of any legality; such was the effect of the May 22nd Proclamation calling Parliament to convene on Monday 24th, not Mon 31st, or any other day. 

“Democracy demands that all the successful candidates proclaimed as Elected Members on 12 and 16 April under warrant by the Head of State, be sworn in, failing which Parliament could resolve to declare those seats vacant, sending you all back to by-elections.

“Please take this open invitation from a new administration, which is very mindful of the obligations which it has to act fairly and ensure the votes of all constituencies, regardless of whether they were won by F.A.S.T. or H.R.P.P., are honoured.”

Fiame also criticised Tuilaepa’s “outrageous” attacks on the Chief Justice and Judiciary and assured the “perversity” will be dealt with soon. 

“Make no mistake, whilst almost all of democracy’s checks and balances, and the public office holders meant to protect us, have been severely undermined by corruption, nepotism and the abuse of power, ‘help is on the way’ as we move into a time for restoration and revival,” she said. 

She lastly addressed the public and called for their continued patience. 

“Finally to the public, please continue to ‘keep the faith’ and also your patience, as we work through the move from the ‘old’ government to the ‘new’ one, with care and efficiency, deliberately and wisely, so that the shock of change is reduced for the workers and the public and our overseas partners, as much as possible.”