Fono (Samoa)

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Fono Aoao Faitulafono o Samoa
Parliament of Samoa
National coat of arms of Samoa Parliament building
logo
Basic data
Seat: Apia
Legislative period : 5 years
MPs: 49 + 1 (47 elected Matai , 2 independent of the Matai system, as well as a compensation mandate to meet the women's quota )
Current legislative period
Last choice: 2016
Chair: O le Ao o le Malo Efi (nominal);

Prime Minister Malielegaoi

Website
palemene.ws

The Fono or officially Aoao Faitulafono o Samoa (dt. Parliament Samaos ) is the legislative organ of the government of Samoa . The 49 members of this unicameral parliament are determined every five years in direct elections from the 41 constituencies, the so-called faipule . All citizens over 21 are entitled to vote.

47 of the MPs are elected from among the local chiefs, the so-called Matai . Two more seats are available outside of this Matai system to represent the "Samoan citizens descended from non-Samoans" .

Functions

The main function of parliament is to pass laws. Any MP can propose a bill, but the government reserves the right to propose bills affecting the state's public finances. To become law, proposals must be published in abbreviated form to the population on television or in the newspaper before it can be passed into law within three readings.

Although Samoa is a member of the Commonwealth , the Queen of Great Britain is not head of state of Samoa. The head of state ( Samoan : O le Ao o le Malo) is also elected as chairman of the Fonos.

Privileges

Similar to the Australian Parliament , the members of the Fono have no immunity . You can be punished just like any other Australian citizen. However, they have indemnity , which means that they cannot be prosecuted for things that they have said in Parliament themselves.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ http://www.talamua.com/faaulusau-rosa-duffy-stowers-secures-5th-parliamentary-seat-for-women/
  2. ↑ a b palemene.ws Infosheet-01-Legislative-Assembly-of-Samoa p. 2, pdf (English)
  3. ↑ Samoa PM accused of racism over anti-Chinese remark . In: Radio New Zealand International , January 21, 2005. Retrieved October 14, 2011. 
  4. ↑ a b palemene.ws Infosheet-02-Legislation pdf (English)
  5. ↑ palemene.ws Infosheet-12-Privilege pdf (English)

Web links