SUVA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Samoa will go into an early election after the Legislative Assembly voted against the national budget 2025-2026 on Tuesday, local media reported.
According to the local newspaper Samoa Observer, 16 members of parliament voted in favor of the budget, with 34 voting against, marking the first time in 40 years that a government budget failed to secure a majority in parliament.
The report said the cabinet is most likely to assume a caretaker role, and in line with the constitution, an election has to be called within 90 days.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in her ministerial speech, urged that the failure to pass the budget will have a major impact on the government's operation.
However, the prime minister said they are ready for whatever the House decides.
Analysts said Fiame will seek a dissolution of parliament and an early election.
Fiame has led a minority government since being ousted from her former FAST party in January.
Thereafter, Fiame and her minority government defeated two back-to-back leadership challenges. ■