The day before polling booths open for Samoa’s General Elections, things have calmed down—at least in Apia township—as candidates, committee members, supporters. and family members head out to their electorates.
While voters can cast their votes anywhere around the country, especially in the town area, not many have opted to do so.
Most of the elderly registered voters got their chance to vote Wednesday during pre-polling, while able-bodied general voters get their chance on Friday.
The Office of the Electoral Commissioner has been reported to be investigating reports of some committee members distributing cash to prospective voters.
Electoral Commissioner Tuiafelolo John Stanley said his office is aware of these reports and are closely monitoring the situation.
“This is illegal, and anyone found breaching the law will be penalized,” he told Samoa Observer.
Tuiafelolo noted that this election has generated significant interest both locally and internationally.
He said the world is watching with interest—especially since it’s the first time that the number of political parties and candidates have increased significantly, and due to the growing influence of the diaspora in Samoa’s politics.
Earlier this week, groups of overseas Samoan voters began arriving, with the latest group coming from American Samoa.
The seat for Faleata 2 is uncontested after court decisions disqualified two candidates, leaving caretaker minister Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo the only candidate running unopposed.
This leaves 189 candidates to contest the remaining 50 of the 51 seats in Parliament.
Thursday and Friday are public holidays to allow voters to prepare for the election and for people to travel to Savaii and outlying villages—avoiding the last-minute rush that occurred during the 2021 elections.
Voting takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, August 29.
Photo: Samoa Observer
