9 Mar 2024

Samoa's electoral laws amended

From , 6:03 am on 9 March 2024
Vote counting in Utuloa, Asau Savaii.

Vote counting in Utuloa, Asau Savaii. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Monica Miller

Samoa's electoral laws have been amended, giving citizens the right to register to vote from overseas. 

Samoa's Electoral Amendment Bill 2024 was passed on Friday morning.

There were concerns the amendments would result in Samoa's diaspora influencing general elections. 

However Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo John Stanley has dismissed those concerns. 

He told RNZ Pacific, conditions were in place to ensure Samoa's future was decided by Samoan citizens who have resided in the country.

RNZ Pacific's Finau Fonua spoke with Tuiafelolo.