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Samoa
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: The Territorial Constituencies Act 1963
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:23:45 UTC
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: The legislative framework reference is embedded in the constitution.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 44 clause 1
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:24:15 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Source: The Territorial Constituencies Act 1963
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:24:40 UTC
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
b. Citizen population
Source: Dr. Fetuao Toia Alama, Clerk of the Legislative Assembley and Chief Electoral Officer of Samoa. Report on the 1991, 1996, and 2001 General Elections, on 27/11/03.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:27:27 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Commission
b. Full Address PO Box 219 Apia, Samoa
c. Telephone (685) 25 967
d. Facsimile (685) 24 309
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Tanuvasa Isitolo Lemisio, Commissioner
h. Information Officer Sarai Misa
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Samoan and English
Source: I- Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 54 clause 2.
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:06:12 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Source: Electoral Act of 1963
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:07:11 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
f. Other
Comments: Reports to no body. All disputes are answered through the Court System.
Source: Dr. Fetuao Toia Alama, Clerk of the Legislative Assembley and Chief Electoral Officer of Samoa. Report on the 1991, 1996, and 2001 General Elections: Foreword, on 27/11/03.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:20:02 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: From the Cabinet through the Treasury Department.
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:06:12 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Comments: Administration and Finance division/section
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:06:12 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: The appointments are made through the Public Service Commission of Samoa, and are no limited in term.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 3
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:22:32 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:06:12 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: a
Comments: Approximately 150 00
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:06:12 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
g. Inherited monarchy
h. Other
Comments: At present the head of state is Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA, and will continue until his death or resignation. After that time the Head of State will be elected through parliament.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 17 and 18.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:11:59 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
c. Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The party with the largest representation from the general elections is invited to form government, and the Leader of the Party becomes the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 32 clause 2 (a)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:18:46 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 17
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:17:19 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: The single chamber is referred to as the Fono or Legislative Assembly.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 42
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:22:46 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
c. Block Vote
Comments: First past the block
Source: Handbook of Electoral System Design (Stockholm, Sweden: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 1997)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:23:13 UTC
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:23:25 UTC
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:23:53 UTC
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
a. National level
c. Regional/provincial level
Comments: A- There are two seats in parliament which are reserved for those voters who are not a Matai, or married to one, or is exercising any customary right or privilege in regard to customary land, and not already registered as an elector.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960m section 44.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:26:37 UTC
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:26:52 UTC
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 44 clause 1 (b)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:32:12 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
d. Other- proportion of total seats (%) 4.1%, from the individual voters list.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 44 clause 1 (b)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:32:43 UTC
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:38:19 UTC
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable x
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:40:25 UTC
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: Members are elected through plurality.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:43:18 UTC
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:43:31 UTC
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: Members are elected through plurality.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:44:17 UTC
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:44:37 UTC
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: Terms of Office nominally 5 years, parliament can be dissolved earlier by the Head of State in consultation with a prime minister that commands a majority in parliament. The Head of State can also dissolve parliament if the office of Prime Minister is vacant, and there is no likelihood that a member of parliament can command enough support to be elected as Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 63 clauses 2, 3, and 4.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:45:29 UTC
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:46:04 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960, Electoral Act of 1963, and The Territorial Constituencies Act 1963
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:53:55 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Comments: Latest amendment was made in 2001
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 Notes.
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:01:33 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Electoral Act of 1963
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:54:30 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:01:33 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: There are no provision for this to occur in the legislation, but legislation does not exclude this happening.
Source: Electoral Act of 1960
Last updated: 2005-03-07 02:56:51 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
b. EMB
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 105
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:01:33 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Comments: In Samoa the Ministry of Justice is in charge of settling disputes, sometimes it is the Commission of Inquiry.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 65 (2)
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:01:33 UTC
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
e. Other
Comments: E A person claiming to have had the right to be elected or returned at the election.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 105 clause 1
Last updated: 2005-03-07 03:02:38 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Any time. No limitation because it’s a government owned broadcasting studio, but political parties pay if they wish to conduct a speech from other personally owned stations and newspapers.
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: b) Especially one month prior to the election.
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:22:01 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: A- The party must attest to having 100 members.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 15B
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:44:35 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:44:52 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: If not a candidate for the Independent Voters seats, a candidate must have a Matai title (a Chief title).
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 5
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:18:24 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:45:55 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:46:08 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
o. Other
Comments: A Must have resulted in an imprisonment resulting in a term of 2 years or more, within 4 years preceding the election in either Samoa or American Samoa. O being on the corrupt practises list.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 5 clause 5.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:19:24 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:47:43 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: If they are registered
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:18:24 UTC
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: A. Must be nominated by Two registered voters, B - $300.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 sections 48 and 49
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:49:12 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:49:25 UTC
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:49:45 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:41:46 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:50:30 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:51:12 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
d. Based on number of candidates put forward in present election
Comments: Applies only to the direct public funding.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:41:46 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:52:24 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: By omission in legislation rather than regulation
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 12:18:24 UTC
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:54:02 UTC
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:54:15 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
m. Organized alphabetically
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 56, 70, and form 7. Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-03-21 18:37:59 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:57:51 UTC
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:58:20 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:58:39 UTC
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
q. Copies of results are provided to observers
r. Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:59:24 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
e. National level
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75 clause d.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:59:46 UTC
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
d. National level
Comments: D- The Independent voters seats are decided on a National Level
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Western Samoa 1960 section 44
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:00:29 UTC
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
b. Unused and spoiled ballots
c. Counterfoils of used ballots
d. Voter rolls
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75 clause 1 (e)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:00:56 UTC
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
j. Other
Comments: j) The act mentions that the parcels shall be properly secured.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75 clause 2
Last updated: 2006-03-21 18:37:59 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
e. Court order
Comments: A candidate must request the recount within 3 days of the public notice of the result of the election to the District Court, and also must have achieved at least 50% of the result of the declared winner.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 81 clause 1 and section 105 clause 1 (b)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:08:26 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:04:35 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
b. An individual candidate
Comments: The candidate must have received a result that was at least 50% of the result of the declared winner.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 81 clause 1 and section 105 clause 1
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:10:12 UTC
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
a. National Election Management body
h. Courts
Comments: The EMB conducts the recount under the supervision of the Judge.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 81 clause 4
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:11:34 UTC
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75 clause 1 (d).
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:12:33 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: x
Comments: After the count has been finalised at the polling booths.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 75 clause 1 (d)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:13:53 UTC
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 80.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:14:12 UTC
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:
Comments: On the scrutiny of the ballots has occurred the Chief Electoral Officer reports the result of the poll to the Head of State who shall then declare the successful candidate to be elected.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 80 clause 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 05:18:01 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Comments: Electoral Commission officers
Source: Soo, Asofou, Samoa. (Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001), The Contemporary Pacific, Spring 2002 v14 i1 p224(14)
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:10:03 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
c. Other
Comments: c) One year prior to election
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:10:03 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
c. At any polling station in the same country
Comments: C. Only accessible to Special Voters who can vote anywhere in the country.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 59, 70A, and 70C.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:39:36 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:39:46 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:40:00 UTC
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:40:10 UTC
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:40:21 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:40:34 UTC
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Comments: No more than 6 electors can be in the polling booth.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 67.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:40:46 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 6
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 67.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 18:40:58 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 71 clause 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:42:39 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 2
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:42:57 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
f. 21
Comments: 21 years
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 sections 16 and 2.
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:12:29 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: E. There are two rolls, one for those that are not of Samoan descent and one for those who are.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 sections 16 and 19.
Last updated: 2006-03-15 14:44:11 UTC
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
h. Other
Comments: H. If a citizen is outside of Samoa for 3 or more years they are no longer eligible to be on the roll. Exclusions to this include government service, and hospitalization.
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 sections 16B and 19 clause 2.
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:12:29 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 3 clause 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:30:50 UTC
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Comments: b) Through filling out a form consisting of personal details.
Source: Fa’auma Faimanu, Electoral Commission of Samoa
Last updated: 2007-01-11 11:12:29 UTC
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Source: Electoral Act of 1963 section 17 clause 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:31:34 UTC
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Source: Soo, Asofou, Samoa. (Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001), The Contemporary Pacific, Spring 2002 v14 i1 p224(14)
Last updated: 2005-03-07 04:31:58 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:20 AM
