The Office of the Electoral Commission in Samoa has reported a record number of candidates for the upcoming elections, with 191 individuals officially registered at the close of nominations last Saturday. This marks a notable increase compared to previous elections, where 187 candidates participated in 2021, 164 in 2016, and 127 in 2001.
Toleafoa Tuiafelolo John Stanley, the Electoral Commissioner, highlighted that the rise in candidates is likely influenced by the growing number of political parties, now totaling seven. Among the 191 candidates, there are 24 women and 167 men, showing some gender representation within the candidates.
The distribution of candidates by party is as follows:
– Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) – 61
– Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) – 52
– Samoa Uniting Democratic Party (SUP) – 26
– Samoa Labour Party (SLP) – 6
– Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party (TPRRP) – 1
– Samoa Democratic Republican Party (SDRP) – 1
– Independents – 44
Toleafoa also addressed concerns about the electoral roll, indicating that the number of unregistered voters—over 15,000—could decrease as the names of deceased voters are removed. The current census list, which has 177,225 voters, is expected to shrink following these updates.
Online registrations have shown participation from 10,404 local voters, although only 72 individuals registered from overseas out of 330 applications. Toleafoa reassured that there are no complaints regarding the reaffirmation of the title Laaulialemalietoa, clarifying that this was merely a correction as per the court’s decision.
Looking ahead, the electoral process will continue with legal challenges concerning candidate eligibility, set to commence on July 18, 2025. The electoral commissioner also stated the OEC is actively engaged in verifying candidates and voters’ information in preparation for the final electoral roll release.
This encouraging turnout reflects a rising political engagement in Samoa, indicative of citizens’ increasing interest in shaping their governance. As the electoral landscape evolves, there is hope that this engagement will cultivate a more dynamic and responsive administration in the upcoming elections. The enthusiasm from voters and candidates alike signifies a strengthening of democratic processes in Samoa.
Leave a comment