Police have launched an investigation into election candidates, including Falealili No.1 candidate Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, for allegedly breaching the law by entering the Office of the Electoral Commission (OEC) compound during the official vote count.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed to the Samoa Observer that officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the OEC operations centre. He said Toelupe allegedly attempted on Sunday to pressure officials into counting special votes, while three other FAST candidates were seen at the premises on Monday.

“The law is clear that no candidate should be inside the OEC during the counting process,” Auapaau said. “We are gathering evidence, including CCTV recordings, to ensure the matter is dealt with according to the law.”

Electoral Commissioner Tuiafelolo John Stanley said Toelupe entered the compound despite being stopped at the gate by police and reached the operations centre before being told to leave. He identified the other three candidates as FAST secretary Va’aaoao Salu Alofipo, Magele Sekati Fiaui, and Masinalupe Makesi Pisi.

Tuiafelolo said all four breached section 153(A) of the Electoral Act 2019, which prohibits candidates from being present during the counting of votes. “They should not be entering the OEC compound, and I know they do know that part of the law,” he said.

The Electoral Commissioner added that he later met with Va’aaoao out of respect (va fealoa’i), but maintained the actions were serious. “I don’t know if they were drunk or what, but I’m pretty sure they do know about that part of the law,” Tuiafelolo said.

In response to the incidents, police tightened security at the OEC on Monday, reinforcing both gates to prevent any further interference in the counting process.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities stressing that protecting the integrity of the electoral process is their priority.