Samoa

Critics of a new electoral law in Samoa say it could allow overseas voters to decide elections. 
 

A multimillion-dollar biomass project, intended to generate electricity for the Samoa national grid, is under review after it incurred more loss than profit.

All Samoan citizens, including those who reside overseas, can be prosecuted once they enter the country if they do not undergo a compulsory election registration.

The amendments will give Samoan citizens the right to register to vote from overseas, but the opposition are concerned about the country being governed by "outsiders".

This week, the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party tabled the Electoral Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament under the certificate of urgency.

A proposed change to repeal the current electoral roll and register every eligible voter again has attracted widespread concerns from Samoa's opposition.

Deputy police commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tia'i-Keti says police are concerned after drugs were found at Fugalei Market just a short distance away from an all girl's primary school.