parliament

Samoa parliament debates amendments to prosecute road racers

Amendments to the Road Traffic Ordinance legislation were debated yesterday.

The amendments are aimed at stopping illegal practices on public roads at night in the town area.

The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, said if people wanted to race they could buy land but it should not be done on public roads.

The MP, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao, said some locals are keen to promote car racing as well as a car show.

Tuila'epa reminded legislators a young boy was killed last year as a result of a car race in town.

 

     

Samoa journos unhappy over new camera rules at parliament

The Legislative Office informed local media of the new protocols before parliament resumed today.

It said the media could have access to video and photos of the sittings taken by designated staff.

But the Journalists Association of Samoa has warned against the move, describing it as a form of censorship.

Journalists have also expressed disappointment that the new parliament house has no media gallery as originally planned.

The association has urged the speaker, Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi, to reconsider the new protocols.

     

Four new parliamentary seats proposed in Samoa

The electoral commissioner, Faimalo Mathew Lemisio, told the Samoa Observer that amendments have been drafted and given to cabinet, which is currently deliberating.

In the last electoral review, the districts of Vaimauga and Faleata were given additional urban seats which became effective in the 2016 general election.

Our correspondent said it looked likely those districts would each get another seat to cater for continuing migration from rural areas, as people search for employment.

Increase in seats on the cards for Samoa parliament

The Newsline newspaper reported that Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told his ruling Human Rights Protection Party late last year that government is already looking at legislation that will allow this to happen.

Tuilaepa said that population shift to urban areas was continuing and had made it necessary to consider increasing seats in the House to ensure suitable and equitable representation.

Samoa budgets for $US373m in spending

The 2017/2018 budget which applies from next month.

Finance Minister Sili Epa Tuioti said the quick passage of the budget was an endorsement of the government's financial policy and management.

He said health and education were the main areas as the government is trying to respond on a timely basis to the needs of the people.

Sili said there had been a strong call for investment in infrastructure by improving water supply, improving roads and the need to ensure that government invest money in plantation access as well as increased agriculture.

Samoa’s 2017-2018 Budget Estimate Debate begins

And as usual it is the perfect vehicle for lawmakers to voice the needs of their respective constituencies.

That was crystal clear with the overwhelming support echoed in parliament yesterday morning as Members of Parliament gave their verbal approval to support the government’s proposed spending for the next 12 months.

Samoa Tautua and HRPP MPs to play role of opposition

Under the current standing orders a political party must have eight MPs in order to be recognized.

With the Tautua party only securing three of the 50 seats in the general election, party members had called on the new government to consider lowering that number.

Fiji's opposition NFP suspended

FBC News said the suspension was for 30 days with immediate effect.

The NFP provided its 2013-2014 Annual Audited Accounts to the Registrar, which was published in the Fiji Sun on November 13th.

FBC News said the accounts were not audited by an accountant certified by the Fiji Institute of Accountants.

Samoa opposition MP loses seat over vote transfer

But the MP who holds the seat Levaopolo Talatonu maintains he is still the sitting MP for the Gaga'emauga number 2 seat constituency.

The speaker Laauli Leuatea Polataivao says the decision was made following confirmation from the Electoral Commissioner that the MP's electoral vote would be transferred from Gaga'emauga number 2 to Salega East constituency.

Fiji Parliament to elect new President today

As per requirement under the 2013 constitution, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has nominated former military officer and current cabinet minister Jioji Konrote for the position, where as the opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has nominated Taveuni chief and former military commander Ratu Epeli Ganilau.

The constitution requires the President has had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sector.