FAST Party Wins Landslide Majority in Samoa Parliament

The 2025 general election in Samoa resulted in a decisive victory for the Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, which secured 30 to 31 of the 51 parliamentary seats, surpassing the 26 needed to govern and marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), which had ruled for four decades, was reduced to 14 seats, while caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa's Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) won three seats, with a few independents also elected. FAST's leader, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, is expected to be sworn in as Samoa's next Prime Minister, signaling a new era following months of political turmoil, including internal party divisions and failed no-confidence motions. Despite some legal challenges from HRPP over constituency results, the scale of FAST's victory is unlikely to be overturned. The new government plans significant economic reforms including tax cuts for businesses and wage earners, a $300 million investment to relaunch Samoa Airways, and substantial funding to boost exports, import substitution, transport infrastructure, and local tourism. This election outcome reflects public confidence in FAST despite recent internal challenges, and the new Parliament faces the task of stabilizing Samoa’s political climate and restoring unity.