Samoa Parliament Speaker, Papali’i Li’o Tae’u Masipa’u has confirmed that parliament has the quorum to meet in its session that started today where the 2021/2022 Annual Budget and the Electoral amendments were tabled.
After announcing the seven seats voided by the courts for electoral malpractices, Papalii said that leaves parliament with 44 seats and the quorum is 23.
He also confirmed with the FAST Party holding 25 seats, parliament has the quorum to meet and conduct its business especially the budget which should be passed before the end of the month.
The Government has been operating on a three months emergency budget put in place by the caretaker government and that ends at the end of September.
Meanwhile, outside Parliament today former Prime Minister and HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi unsuccessfully negotiated with the police for their 18 MPs to enter the parliament grounds.
They were stopped outside the parliament grounds lined with police steel security fences.
Tuilaepa told the party supporters that parliament does not have a quorum and what parliament will pass will all be illegal and unconstitutional.
The Speaker however quoted Article 57 of the Constitution and 34 of the Standing Orders that clarifies parliament’s quorum.
Papali’i also referred to the HRPP Members who have yet to be sworn in and said that come a time when number of members of parliament are complete, he is seeking the spirit of forgiveness and cooperation to serve the country.
SOURCE: TALAMUA ONLINE/PACNEWS
