By Staff Writer
The farewell session of the XVI Parliament of Samoa was called to session this morning at Mulinu’u.
Debate on the 2020/2021 Supplementary Estimates and an Electoral Amendment were the main matters tabled for the House to debate.
Select Committee reports as well as Ministry and State Enterprises annual reports were included in the normal workload among others.
Members took to the floor as they have been doing for the last 5 years except this time knowing full well this is be the last time they will do so.
The level of uncertainty and anticipation hangs heavily in the debate chamber for the majority of the members whose political future hangs on the outcome of the April general election.
There are a fortunate few who are exceptions.
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, former Deputy PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Faleata No. 1 MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi are the only seats confirmed for the new Parliament.
For Speaker Toleafoa Fa’afisi, Falealupo MP Aeau Peniamina and Gagaemauga No.1 MP Fa’asootauloa Pati Taulapapa, it is the end of the political road.
There is a general understanding that the House is likely to be in session for more than a week.
There is little sense of urgency as in recent sessions mainly to rush give members to take to the floor for the last time.
The opportunity is there to make their final goodbyes at the end of 5 years of service as the political leaders of the 50–seat Parliament XVI of Samoa.
