Fiame Naomi Mataafa has officially become Samoas first ever female prime minister
Samoa has its first female prime minister after a three-month electoral deadlock and political crisis was broken by the courts.
The Pacific nation went to the polls on 9 April, with the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party claiming victory over the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).
On Friday, the country's Court of Appeal ruled that an impromptu swearing-in of the FAST party was legally valid. The party held its own swearing-in ceremony on the parliament's lawns after members were locked out of the building.
The win sees the first change of government since 1982 and installs Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as leader.
The April election initially ended in a 25-25 tie in seats, with one independent candidate. However, the electoral commissioner appointed another HRPP politician to conform to gender quotas and the independent candidate chose to go with FAST, making it 26-26.
Court challenges and resignations since the election currently give the FAST party a 26-18 seat majority.
Long-time former prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has refused to cede power since the election, saying only Samoa's head of state Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II had the authority to convene parliament.
Ms Mata'afa served as Mr Malielegaoi's deputy until she resigned last year, accusing him of overstepping his authority after so long in power.
Her family is part of the Tama-a-'aiga - Samoa's royal lineage - and has been steeped in the island nation's political life for generations.
With AFP.
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