Latest news in Samoa? September 18th, 2026
18-09-2026
Latest news in Samoa for mid-September 2026 includes the following developments:
By-Elections and Parliament Quota: Preliminary counts are underway for the parliamentary by-elections in the Vaimauga III and Falealili I constituencies. Because all candidates contesting these seats are men, the Electoral Commissioner has confirmed that Samoa’s constitutional women’s quota (Article 44) will be triggered to secure a sixth woman member of parliament.
International Police Investigation: Samoa Police, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), formally charged two mena New Zealand national and a Samoan nationalwith conspiracy to murder regarding an alleged shooting of an Australian citizen in Vietnam earlier in the year.
IMF Consultation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its 2026 Article IV consultation with Samoa, noting that while economic growth is gradually recovering, the country remains vulnerable to structural constraints, inflation pressures, and climate and external shocks.
Sports Safeguarding: The Samoa Football Association has taken a leading role in promoting player welfare and safeguarding initiatives during the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship hosted in Apia.