The saga of the Samoan election is nearing its climax, with a potentially tragic denouement.
I now understand more clearly just why Fiame broke with the HRPP party to form FAST. Parliament had passed a law that basically purports to give what is the equivalent of the executive branch the power at any time to unilaterally remove the Chief Justice. That might happen either before the hearing this Friday, and after the hearing but before a ruling, if the caretaker government does not like how the hearing went. What the hearing is about is whether or not by virtue of the doctrine of necessity, the court will rule that the members of parliament shall be deemed to be sworn in, order the police to open the parliament building, and give the keys to the new government. Samoa by the way does not have an army, and the police are "unarmed," or so I have read. One wonders just why the caretaker government is acting this way. It is as if once they lose power, they are terrified as to what might be uncovered as to what they did while in power, e.g., perhaps taking bribes from the Chinese government.
Why thing I do know is that this small island country of some 175,000 inhabitants is incredibly fortunate to have someone of the stature and character and discipline and courage as Fiame available and willing to serve it. In her second language of English, she speaks eloquently and with erudition, with an superb vocabulary. She is well worth listening to. Dan and I are so fortunate to have spent some time with her a few years back. I shall never forget.
https://samoaglobalnews.com/red-flags-and-warning-signs-from-a-tyrants-playbook-fiame-on-hrpp-move-to-dismantle-judiciary/
