Cabinet initiates process for overseas Samoans to vote in future elections

Apia, SAMOA – 02 September 2026 – Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference for a Task Force to oversee the implementation of the Out-of-Country Voting Pilot Project.

The initiative aims to explore practical ways for eligible Samoan voters who are overseas during election periods to participate in Samoa’s electoral process.

The Task Force will be responsible for:

1. Identifying appropriate methods to enable eligible voters overseas to cast their votes;
2. Overseeing the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Out-of-Country Voting Pilot Project; and
3. Recommending necessary amendments to the Electoral Act 2019 to provide for out-of-country voting as part of Samoa’s electoral process for future elections.

The initiative supports greater participation by eligible Samoan citizens in the democratic process, including those residing or travelling overseas during elections.