Three candidates from the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party were seen at the Office of the Electoral Commission’s operations centre in Tuanaimato on Monday during the counting of special and pre-polling votes, despite the law stating they should not be there.

Magele Sekati Fiaui, Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe and Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo arrived at the centre at around 11 a.m. and were seen approaching the entrance.

Va’aaoao was later escorted by police officers into the office of the Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo John Stanley, while Magele and Masinalupe remained outside the operations centre.

When approached by the Samoa Observer, Masinalupe said the group had accompanied Va’aaoao for a meeting with the Commissioner to discuss an important matter. Shortly after, Magele directed Masinalupe to move to the other side of the building upon noticing the newspaper’s photographer.

Electoral Commissioner Tuiafelolo said Va’aaoao was concerned about the security of the boxes. However, he pointed out that candidates are not supposed to be at the counting centre.

Police confirmed that Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo had also been present at the operations centre on Sunday evening.