31 Dec 2005

Samoa opposition queries decision to postpone election

8:42 am on 31 December 2005

Samoa's Opposition leader Le Mamea Ropati has questioned the prime minister's decision to delay the general election to the end of March.

At the weekly press conference of his Samoa Democratic United Party, Le Mamea said it appeared from the date change that the current government didn't want to hold any elections.

Le Mamea pointed out that this was the third election date given by the goverrnment.

Le Mamea said the ruling Human Rights Protection Party was trying to mislead and confuse the country, adding that the constitution was clear that the date of the elections should be carefully planned.

Le Mamea said some would-be overseas voters had already booked to fly on Polynesian Blue in February but with the date change, they would now be penalised by the airline when changing their flights.