Apia, SAMOA — Caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi says the post election process is not yet complete, and all 51 electoral constituents of Samoa have to be represented at the first convening of Parliament after a general election.

Tuilaepa was speaking to Radio 2AP on Monday afternoon after the handing down of a Supreme Court decision that not only declared the swearing-in of 26 FAST members under a tent outside Parliament as unlawful, but also directed Parliament to sit within 7 days.

In response Tuilaepa once again quoted Articles 111, 52 and 44 of the Constitution and said they are all important sections to consider for the convening of Parliament.

In the past, Samoa’s Parliament has convened and moved forward with its duties, not having to wait for election petitions before the Court. However the Caretaker Prime Minister says the process in the past has always been that all 51 Constituents are represented at the first sitting of Parliament.

“Remember we are the ones who understand these laws well because we are setting them, so we read them over and over again;

“After an election all MPs must be able to participate in the first sitting of Parliament, there can be no empty seat,” said Tuilaepa.

“That is because all Constituents of Samoa have an equal right to the different appointments made at the first sitting, such as Ministerial positions,” he added.

Tuilaepa concludes and insists the post election process is not yet complete, to ensure all elected members participate at the first meeting of Parliament.

“E lei maea le process, e lei maea”.

“E lei maea le tulaga o le faagaioiga o le filifiliga o le faigapalota”.

Tuilaepa did not say whether or not the caretaker government would adhere to Supreme Court orders and convene Parliament before next Monday.

He did, however, revert back to his previous position, that the Parliament of Samoa can only be called to convene by the Head of State.