The British Government has expressed concern that Samoa is now entering its fourth month without Parliament being convened following the April general election.

The British Acting High Commissioner to Samoa, Ian Richards, said that the convening of Parliament lies at the heart of democratic processes and is a cornerstone of the governance structure that underpins all Commonwealth nations.

"That is why it is a concern to the U.K. [United Kingdom] to see Samoa, now entering its fourth month after the general election without a meeting of Parliament, which is so important to the efficient functioning of Government," Mr. Richards said in a statement to the Samoa Observer. 

Mr. Richards said they welcome and value Samoa's proud tradition of democracy, respect for the separation of powers and independent judiciary, and reliance on the rule of law.

But he then appealed to the various State actors in Samoa to exercise those principles by bringing about an early conclusion to the current political impasse.

Mr. Richards’ comments follow sentiments expressed earlier by Britain’s Minister of State for Pacific and Environment, Lord Zac Goldsmith on Twitter.

"The United Kingdom is concerned that the Parliament in Samoa is yet to meet three months after the election," the Twitter post by Lord Goldsmith reads.

"We encourage all parties to redouble their efforts to find a resolution in accordance with Samoa's long-held tradition of democratic process and to respect the independence of the judiciary."

Early this month the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta, also took to Twitter to express concern about Samoa's current political crisis. 

She tweeted that Aotearoa New Zealand acknowledges the patience of the people of Samoa, and that they affirm their call to uphold the constitution, respect for the rule of law, and respect for the judiciary at this time.