Ballot boxes for Samoa general election Photo: RNZ Pacific/Tipi Autagavaia
The Samoa Electoral Commission says the nomination of candidates to contest the general election next month is underway.
During the previous election in 2021, a total of 187 candidates from five political parties and 12 independents contested seats in parliament.
On voter registration, electoral commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley says that, as of 4pm Friday, 4 July, over 102,000 voters were registered.
The final roll is expected to be released later this month.
Pre-polling applications are also open.
The election chief says only those who meet specific criteria are eligible for pre-polling.
These include senior citizens aged 65 and over, voters with disabilities, carers, essential workers rostered on election day, and voters travelling overseas.
A proof of eligibility is required
Pre-polling is scheduled for 27 August.
Toleafoa told the Samoa Observer that pre-polling results will be released during the official count from 1-5 September, to align with the release of the results of the main polling day on 29 August.
Election timeline
- 10 June: Writ of election issued
- 16 June: Notice for nominations
- 27 June, 5pm local time: Close of voter objection application
- 4 July: Closing of rolls
- 7-12 July: Nomination of candidates
- 6 July- 16 August, 4pm local time: Opening and closing of pre-polling applications
- 14 August, 12pm local time: Withdrawal of candidates
- 27 August: Pre-polling day
- 29 August: Polling day
- 1-5 September: Official count
- 5 September: Declaration of results
- 8 September: Return of writs and declaration of elected members
