Samoa police are investigating multiple cases of voter fraud, as a man was charged with allegedly using another voter’s identity to register at the Office of the Electoral Commissioner.
The Samoa Observer reports Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo said the individual was discovered by officials of the OEC, but his identity can not be revealed because police are still investigating.
Auapa’au said this serves as a warning to the voting public, as more cases of alleged vote fraud are being reported by the OEC.
“This is not a joke, and according to the Crimes Act 2013, Section 215, anyone who is alleged to have committed this offence will face a penalty of no more than 10 years imprisonment,” he said.
The OEC last week warned the public that it was illegal for candidates, representatives, or family members to fill out another person’s voter registration.
This has led the OEC to stop accepting statutory declarations from village mayors or women’s representatives to confirm residence qualifications for online registrations.
“We remind all prospective candidates and their supporters: only the individual registering may complete their voter registration, as required under Sections 13 and 20 of the Electoral Act,” the notice states.
The OEC also reminded the public that Section 153A of the Electoral Act states that any person who obstructs the Commissioner or their delegate in implementing the Act commits an offence punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine up to 50 penalty units, or both.
“Misuse of the Online Registration Portal may also obstruct the proper administration of the electoral process, especially if it compromises the accuracy of the electoral roll, impartiality of the process, or verification procedures,” the OEC warned.
