International Observers Welcomed for Tomorrow’s General Election

One of the Election Teams packing everything up before moving out to the polling stations for tomorrows final day of the 2021 elections.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 08 APRIL 2021: The 2021 general election is drawing international interest and local international representatives have asked the Electoral Commissioner for a chance to be present during the election process tomorrow.

The Electoral Commissioner Faimalōmatumua Mathew Lemisio confirmed with Talamua the international interests and he is happy for them to be present.

“The United National have asked to be present and so as the British Embassy here in Samoa; we already have the Tokelauans on-board as they requested earlier and we expect more requests and they would be welcomed,” said Faimalōmatumua.

He said it is good for the integrity of the elections to have international observers present to observe how the election process is carried out, especially as this is the first general election conducted under the new Electoral Act.

Whilst the requests maybe last minute, Faimalōmatumua is happy to accommodate these requests now that they are working in partnership with the international election organization that monitors the progress of each country’s elections.

Today is the last day for the pre-polling for people with disabilities, the elderly and the essential workers before the main general election tomorrow.

Provisional results will be announced tomorrow evening after the polls close at 3pm.