Pre-polling officially kicked off in Samoa on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
More than 1300 Samoan election officials will be supported by over 500 police officers on polling day this Friday to ensure the smooth running of operations.
Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley told reporters in Apia that 150 police officers were involved in pre-polling on Wednesday.
Toleafoa confirmed that a total of 430 polling booths had been established, including pre-polling stations. These include 261 in Upolu and 169 in Savaii.
He said 50 polling booths were in operation across the country for pre-polling.
There are 101,981 registered voters for the 2025 general election, a decrease compared to the 2011 polls, which had 117,225 registered voters.
Around 5000 people registered for early voting, but not all applications were accepted, he said.
Samoa Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley Photo: RNZ Pacific / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
Eligible voters for pre-polling include carers, the elderly, and those working in essential services such as electricity, police, hospitals, ports and airports.
Election observers are also on the ground, including six from the Pacific Islands Forum, 12 from Australia, four from New Zealand, and one academic from Tasmania.
Pre-polling opened at 9am local time (10am NZT) and will close at 4pm (5pm NZT) today.
Toleafoa reminded voters that anyone in line when polling booths close will be given a coupon to ensure they can still cast their vote.
However, late arrivals risk a fine of WST100 (NZ$60), while eligible voters who fail to register and cast their vote face penalties of up to WST2000 (NZ$1200).
