If you are one of the 15,333 who have failed to register and do not have an excusable reason for not registering, start collecting your $2,000. The Office of the Electoral Commission has made it clear that it will come after those who failed to register.

There are 30 million reasons why the OEC will pursue those who did not register. Under the law, it is compulsory to register and vote. There is a fine of $2,000, and the OEC has calculated that if they collect fines from everyone, they would earn the government $30 million. That is a surplus the OEC would like to show in its books at the end of the financial year.

Electoral Commissioner Tuiafelolo John Stanley said that when the list is ready, he will issue a penalty notice and give time for the person to respond to the OEC. For those who were working overseas, they can come in and bring their reasoning for not registering, and they have to come in with their passport to show that they were out of the country at the time.

Tuiafelolo acknowledged that there are legitimate reasons some individuals may have failed to register, such as illness or caring for sick family members. However, he was clear that those without valid justification would be fined. People who did not register will be given a notice and 14 days. For those who do not respond, they will get another notice, and this time, they will also be notified that they will need to go to court.

The registration process has brought out a habit that we are all too familiar with, which is leaving things to the last minute. We saw the struggles of those people who tried to register at the last minute. No one else is to blame for this. This mentality needs to change if progress is to be achieved. The OEC started registering people in January. They even took the registration down to the people, yet many stayed away.

Tuiafelolo also called on Samoans to change their mindset toward civic responsibility. “Our people should change their mindset to these kinds of things. Yes, we do have a habit of last-minute things,” he said. “But if we’re going overseas on palagi time, they are always on time. Our people, time is time. We should change the mindset. We cannot move forward if we are living off old habits. As law-abiding citizens, it is our responsibility.”

To those who have registered, it is now time to put that vote to good use when you head down to the polling booth. The power to bring about a change now lies with you. All it takes is a simple vote. It is time for voters to wake up from their slumber and stop following politicians blindly. The election will define how the nation will progress, its outcome may improve lives, provide access to better education and health, and it will bring in the right people who will work for those they represent and rid of those who only choose to serve themselves.

Do not sell that vote, and do not succumb to pressure by the village council. Your vote counts, and you have the right to choose who to vote for. It is time to open our eyes beyond the short-term gain and vote for those who will work for you and carry your voice in parliament, and not make their voice yours. 

You have been given the right, and you should exercise it by voting for the most suited person who will make a better future for your village, district and nation.