Politics & Government Guide in Samoa

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Samoa operates as a parliamentary democracy with the FAST party in power since 2021. Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt leads the government following a leadership transition in 2025, while ceremonial Head of State Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II continues his term. The unicameral Fono maintains political stability amid customary influences.

Government Type

Parliamentary Democracy

Legal System

Mixed legal system of English common law and customary law

Head of State

O le Ao o le Malo Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II(since 2017)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt(Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi)since 2025

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Upper House:Upper House

Lower House:Fono (51 seats)

Major Political Parties

Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi(FAST)

Centre-left

31 seats

Human Rights Protection Party(HRPP)

Centre-right

20 seats

Voting Rights

Samoan citizens aged 21 and over; universal adult suffrage

Recent Developments

Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt assumed office as Prime Minister on 16 September 2025 following party leadership change
FAST party retained power after 2021 elections, ending HRPP's 40-year rule
Parliament expanded women's representation with constitutional seats

Voting Age21

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1960

Districts11