Empowering democracy through transparency, collaboration, and inclusive governance The Fono, or Parliament of Samoa, is the legislative body of the country, playing a central role in the governance and law-making process. It operates as a unicameral assembly, meaning it has a single legislative chamber. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected every five years by Samoan citizens, and the Fono’s responsibilities include passing laws, approving budgets, and scrutinizing the activities of the government.
The Fono consists of 51 members, most of whom are elected from constituencies, while a small number are appointed to represent special interests, including women and traditional leaders. Traditionally, the Parliament is made up of individuals holding chiefly titles, also known as “matai,” reflecting Samoa’s strong connection between governance and its cultural practices. In recent years, there have been efforts to increase women’s participation in politics, reflected in the introduction of a minimum quota for female MPs.
The Fono meets in Apia, the capital of Samoa, and its procedures are governed by the Samoan Constitution, which was adopted in 1962 when Samoa became independent from New Zealand. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly presides over the sessions, and the Prime Minister is typically the leader of the majority party within the Fono.
The Parliament has the authority to create laws that shape Samoa’s future, ensuring that the principles of “fa’a Samoa” (the Samoan way of life) are respected within the framework of a modern democratic state
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