Former Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has conceded the general election in a speech on Tuesday that also reminded the Pacific Island's electorate the importance of a smooth transition of power after a chaotic parliamentary year.

The conclusion of Samoa's official vote count on Friday from the previous week's poll resulted in La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata'ivao Schmidt being appointed to lead the country.

Mr Schmidt's Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party won 30 of the 51 seats in the unicameral Legislative Assembly to take power from Ms Mata'afa after she was forced to walk away from leading the government to form her own new Samoa United Party prior to calling a snap election.

The move failed, electing just three MPs of the new party including the win in the ousted Prime Minister's own seat to take a spot in the 'Fono' national parliament after the vast majority of FAST members had earlier this year failed to recognise her authority and effectively expelled Ms Mata'afa from the ruling party.

Ms Mata'afa, Samoa's historic first female Prime Minister, defended the position she took to stand her ground for what she called the greater good of the country.

"As Prime Minister, I wholeheartedly committed to leading the government in accordance with the requirements of the law and policies, governing operations in both a fair and equitable manner," Ms Mata'afa said.

"At the regional and international arenas, I have ensured that our voice as our own independent country was amplified with the collective voice of the Blue Pacific family on issues that is crucial for both regional unity and solidarity to promote our priorities.

"That resonated with feedback from the leaders around the globe on our consistent advocacy of our climate goals and stewardship of our ocean and protection of our biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction."

Ms Mata'afa had remained Prime Minister for months in what proved an untenable position after she demanded that Mr Schmidt resign his deputy leadership and role in cabinet amid an unproven scandal.

Mr Schmidt had been charged with more than 100 counts of forgery and theft, but he was later acquitted of all charges.

Ms Mata'afa congratulated her former political party to retain government, and Mr Schmidt, her one-time deputy leader and now Prime Minister-elect.

As Ms Mata'afa prepares to complete her final Cabinet duties, she thanked Samoa for standing together with her own government in driving what she said was carefully planned to enhance "sustainable development and wellbeing".

"Our successes would not have been possible without public support and trust in the government's systems," she said.

"Our unity as a nation that is founded on God and respect for our cultural values has shielded us from the torrents of time and challenges of our democracy.

"Together, we have weathered the rampage of Covid-19 and recently the dengue epidemic with the help of our development partners.

"What we have jointly accomplished in my term as Prime Minister shall be made for the glory of God upon whom this country is founded."

Ms Mata'afa lauded the collective efforts in successfully hosting the signing of the SAMOA agreement in November 2023 and the Commonwealth Leaders' meeting in October l2024 have placed the nation on a platform as a sought-after host for international meetings and a viable tourist destination.

Ms Mata'afa also acknowledged in a Prime Ministerial farewell the Human Rights Protection Party, which won 14 seats from 36.8 per cent of the vote – just four per cent less than the FAST party – to maintain official Opposition status after ruling Samoa for 33 years until 2021, and other political groups, which included four elected independents, who combined for more than 2,000 votes than the Samoa United Party did towards contributing to "a peaceful and robust" democratic election.

"The voters, who turned out to exercise their fundamental right to vote, your voices matter, and the choices you make in electing your representatives in parliament over the next five years will hopefully deliver to your expectations for a better Samoa," Ms Mata'afa said.

"I now take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your patience and the active participation in the electoral process.

"Thank you to the electoral officials, police and all observers and the Electoral Commissioner – the dedicated team of officials for their tireless efforts in ensuring a free, fair and a transparent electoral process."