The Public Service Commission has issued a reminder to all public servants to stay neutral and apolitical as Samoa is heading towards the general election in August.

"Are you clear on what's expected of you as a public servant during elections?" said the PSC.

The reminder says "our work as public servants is built on values of public service excellence and guided by clear principles of accountability, service and respect- and importantly- political impartiality."

The Public Service Commission reminded all public servants that throughout the election period, public servants are expected to demonstrate integrity, respect and professionalism in all decisions and interactions.

"Our behaviour is the cornerstone of delivering effective and impartial services for Samoa."

Meanwhile, some public servants will be looking to contest the election as well. The Electoral Act states that once the nomination of a candidate who is a public servant or a government officer is accepted, he or she needs to resign immediately. The Office of the Electoral Commissioner has not made the call for nominations. It feels that by prematurely declaring candidacies, a year before general elections, there could be an abuse of public resources.

The Samoa Public Service Code of Conduct states, “The employees should act apolitically and serve the Government with impartiality, regardless of which party is in power and which party they personally support.”