The Office of the Electoral Commission in Samoa has announced a record-breaking number of candidates for the upcoming elections, closing nominations with a total of 191 candidates. This surpasses the previous records of 187 candidates in 2021, 164 in 2016, and 127 in 2001, according to Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo John Stanley.
Among the 191 candidates, there are 24 women, indicating a slight increase in female representation compared to prior elections. Despite there being about 15,000 unregistered voters, Toleafoa noted that this number is likely to be reduced as names of deceased voters since the last election are cleared from the electoral roll. The current census provides a potential voter base of 177,225 individuals, although this number is expected to decline after adjustments.
The candidates are largely associated with several political parties, with the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) fielding 61 candidates and the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) presenting 52 candidates. The newly formed Samoa Uniting Democratic Party (SUP), led by ousted Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, will contest in 26 constituencies, and the Samoa Labour Party (SLP) aims for six seats. A notable 44 candidates are running as independents, while two smaller parties, Tumua ma Pule Reform Republican Party (TPRRP) and Samoa Democratic Republican Party (SDRP), will each have one candidate.
For the electoral process, the commission plans to hire 1,700 personnel to ensure the procedures unfold smoothly on election day, scheduled for August 29. This heightened interest in political participation indicates a promising engagement from the electorate, reflecting an evolving democracy in Samoa and a hopeful future of civic involvement and leadership participation.
The increase in candidates suggests a dynamic political environment ripe for potential change and engagement, as citizens demonstrate a growing interest in shaping their governance. As the country approaches this electoral milestone, there is optimism that this surge in candidates will lead to a more vibrant democratic process.
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