Mixed reactions towards allowing Samoan diaspora to vote in future general elections

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA -15 JUNE 2022: There has been mixed reactions to the issue of allowing Samoans overseas to vote from their country of residence in future Samoa general elections.

At the second public consultation by the Commission of Inquiry to Review the Electoral Act and Election Process at Moata’a yesterday, the views varied from outright no to giving them the chance to vote from wherever they reside.

The current law allows registered voters residing overseas to vote but they have to come and cast their votes in Samoa.

In its election campaign, the FAST Party promised to look into the issue of making it easier for eligible voters to cast their votes.

This is one of 10 issues in the Commission of Inquiry’s terms of reference to widely consult the public and make recommendations in view of amending the current Electoral Act.

While some speakers believe that the Samoan diaspora has earned the right to vote from whichever country they reside, others thought they should still come to Samoa to cast their vote.

Opposing views were very blunt saying the diaspora are, “not rendering service – leai se tautua, and “they left (Samoa) to look for better opportunities for themselves abroad,” to “it’s another hassle,” and “if they want to vote, come to Samoa.”

Those who supported the idea were quick to point to the contribution of families abroad to cultural and religious developments locally, especially in the economic growth of the country trough remittances still the country’s highest foreign revenue earner.

There was also concern that Samoans abroad will dominate the voting if given a chance.

Tofaeono Dr. Lafitai Iupati Fuatai who served as Samoa’s Trade Commissioner in New Zealand for 6 years, said at the time he was in New Zealand, the population of Samoans in Auckland alone was over 100,000 and perhaps 50,000 in other parts of New Zealand.

Former Trade Commissioner in New Zealand Tofaeono Dr. Lafitai Iupati Fuata’i is concerned the vote would be dominated by the overseas Samoans.

“With 260,000 Samoan’s in Australia and over 100,000 in America, compared to Samoa’s population of 200,000 plus, the voting will be dominated by the Samoan diaspora,” said Tofaeono.

But this argument was quickly placed in perspective by the former Electoral Commissioner, Papalii Malietau Malietoa who calmly explained why Tofaeono’s claim could not be right.

He agreed that there are many Samoans living abroad, but not all of them are citizens of Samoa and would not be eligible to vote.

He suggested to utilise Samoa’s embassy offices overseas as a centre to register Samoan citizens to vote.

He also suggested to do a trial run on Samoan scholarships students in Fiji using the newly opened Samoa Chancery office.

“Do a trial run in Fiji and see whether it works or not,” said Papalii.

Call for a plebiscite
One solution suggested by other speakers was a plebiscite as it was used to determine support for universal suffrage for women and the 21 years old to vote.

They believe to be fair to both sides; a plebiscite is the perfect solution for the matter.

Other critical issues raised involve the impact and disadvantages of the new political divisions that place residents on privately owned properties along villages under the control of Village Councils.

As contested in court prior to last years’ general elections, the Electoral Act allows only matais in the Village Councils to run as election candidates but rules out the voters who reside on their privately owned properties, but are not part of the traditional villages according to the political divisions under the current Act.

Today was the third day of the public consultations the Commission is at the EFKS Hall at Faatoia to hear views from people of the Vaimauga No.3 constituency.

The issues given for the Commissions brief include:

• Electoral Roll
• Women in politics
• Electoral / political constituencies
• Eligibility of election candidates
• Registration of political parties
• Offences and legal issues
• Opportunity for Samoan overseas to vote
• Responsibilities and Obligations of the Office of the Electoral Commission
• General matters.

The Commission’s Chairperson, Tu’uu Dr. Ieti Taulealo said challenge faced by the Commission is getting peoples’ views and he is encouraging more young people to express their views.

The Commission is holding public consultations around the country and Savaii and is expected to hand over its report to Cabinet at the end of November.

Some members of the Commission, Papalii Samuelu Petaia, Vaasiliega Iupati Lagaaia, Chairman Tuuu Dr. Ieti Taulealo, Tofaeono Dr. Iupati Fuatai of Moataa village and  Commission member Leuluai Tasi Malifa.