| Description |
Samoa's implementation of a liberal democratic form of government has been hindered by inherent cultural practices that have caused Samoans to reject many of the political processes that are implied by liberal democratic governments such as theirs. Traditionally, Samoans adapted well into the administrative functions of a liberal democracy under New Zealand's administration. Consequently, this was an impetus which compelled Samoans to implement a liberal democratic type of government in their own country when they achieved independence. However, the indigenous institution of family chiefs (matai) has continued to be adhered to along with the newly implemented liberal democratic form of government. Yet, the two cannot successfully coexist together. Samoans place more value on their traditional institutions than their new democratic ones. This results in many discrediting effects to both the liberal democratic and indigenous institutions, but mostly it hinders their implemented form of liberal democracy, leaving it with serious flaws. To correct the situation in favor of a more operative liberal democracy, Samoans will need to change the value placed on traditional practices. |
