Samoa: FAST party which has a majority of seats locked out of Parliament this morning

Political turmoil in Samoa has increased, with the FAST party that holds a majority locked out of parliament in Apia.

The party and supporters gathered in a tent on the lawn in front of parliament house but the doors to the building were locked.

It is the latest twist in a weekend of developments that have spiralled into the biggest political turmoil seen in Samoa in decades.

Parliament was due to sit today for the swearing-in of MPs after the election more than a month ago.

The sitting was ordered by the Supreme Court last week, but the Head of State then cancelled it, before the Supreme Court again overruled his decision.

The chief justice and other judges walked to parliament to inspect proceedings this morning, tried to open the locked door, and returned to the courthouse.

The clerk of the house said he was merely following instructions from the speaker of parliament, and the caretaker minister of parliament - HRPP leader and caretaker prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

[Source: Radio NZ]