The Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) candidate for Falealili No.1, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, was reported to have pressured the Office of the Electoral Commission (OEC) on Sunday to begin counting special and pre-polling votes earlier than scheduled.

Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo confirmed to the Samoa Observer that Toelupe went to the OEC operations centre in Tuanaimato between 10 am and 11 am on Sunday, where he allegedly attempted to insist that officials proceed with the counting immediately, instead of the designated time on Monday.

Commissioner Auapa’au said the matter was noted, and police are monitoring the situation closely, given the sensitivity of the election process.

The OEC had previously announced that the counting of special votes and pre-polling ballots would take place on Monday, in line with standard procedure.

Toelupe is currently in the lead for the Falealili No.1 seat after the preliminary count released on Friday night. The final result, however, hinges on the inclusion of special and pre-polling votes.

This is a developing story.