Highly respected Samoan scholars in New Zealand have called on Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, to open an opportunity to at least discuss allowing Samoans living abroad to vote.

University of Auckland Senior Lecturer in Pacific Studies, Lupematesila Dr. Melani Anae, and University of Auckland's Associate Professor of Criminology, Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni, say given how much Samoans abroad contribute to their homeland through remittances, they should have voting rights.