Samoa
On February 26, 2025, the Parliament of Samoa passed constitutional amendments with a 36-16 majority vote, effectively reversing the controversial 'three-bills' enacted in December 2020. These amendments restore the judiciary's structure under the Chief Justice and address communal rights, judicial appointments, and the Lands and Titles Court's structure.
In December 2020, the previous government passed significant changes to the Lands and Titles Act, the Judicature Act, and the Constitution, which were met with widespread criticism for undermining judicial independence and customary land rights. The 2025 amendments aim to rectify these issues by reinstating the Supreme Court's oversight over the Lands and Titles Court and reaffirming the judiciary's independence.
The recent vote saw 36 members, including Speaker Papalii Ta’eu Masipau, in favor, and 16 against. Notably, one member of the opposition Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) voted with the government, ensuring the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.
This legislative reversal is seen as a significant step toward restoring public confidence in Samoa's legal system and upholding the principles of judicial independence and the rule of law. It also reflects the current government's commitment to addressing past legislative controversies and aligning the nation's laws with democratic principles.
