For the officials behind Samoa’s general election, the numbers on ballot papers only tell half the story. Behind the tally sheets and late-night sessions are weeks of sleepless nights, missed family moments and the weight of responsibility to deliver an accurate result for the nation.

“I feel relieved,” Nette Fata said moments after her team completed its count. She was a part of the team to complete the second-to-last constituency - Aleipata itupa i Lalo. “It’s been a lot of work, starting from the preparations — three full weeks. Now the election is over, and the final counting is over. Even though there’s one more team left, my team is done. We’re just waiting for the announcement of the candidates, and then we're finally done.”

The sacrifices have been heavy. For many, long hours at the counting centre meant time away from children, parents, and spouses. “As mothers, wives, and caretakers to our parents, we have our obligations at home. We have to juggle and try to make time,” Tia said.

Another official, Lafai Makereta Vaailoa, described giving up “everything” for the week. “You have no family, no friends. It’s quite a commitment. When you want to kick off your life, especially with this kind of thing, you gotta give it your all. It’s your job. It’s a serious matter — political things are very sensitive.” Lafai has been working for the OEC since 2003. She is turning 60 this year.

"We have to do everything by the law, and we don't just take things for granted. I have a lot of experience. But that doesn't mean anything," said Lafai.

“The processes change according to our Act, especially since the new Act in 2019. Even with experience, you have to stay serious about the process, because if anything goes wrong, people lose trust. It’s not an easy job. We don’t get to sleep — probably two hours a day. But it’s important to make sure our people trust the process,” said Lafai.

Even illness at home did not slow the work. Nette recalled taking her mother to the doctor during the week, only to rush back to her station. “At the end of the day, you still have to be here. That’s another big sacrifice,” she said.

Despite the fatigue, there is pride. Lafai called the experience “something I will remember for the rest of my life.” 

For staff who joined only recently, the chance to contribute during a snap election has been meaningful. “It’s exciting. To be very honest, I feel proud to be here, to be one of the OEC staff during this time,” Nette said. 

For Seumanutafa Lima Vaepule, he acknowledged the many challenges along the way, not only as an election official but also as the press officer for the OEC.

"I am happy it is over, and thank God we have completed the count. There were many challenges along the way, not only with the members of the public but also with the media. Even though these challenges were there, I still felt calm," he said.

"One of the challenges was also looking out for misinformation that could harm the integrity of the OEC office," said Seumanutafa. He also acknowledged the Samoa Observer and commended its reporting throughout the election.

He joined the OEC last year and has been proud to work for the office. He said he is happy it is over and thankful.

"The people’s voice has been heard. This is who they have chosen," he said, reflecting on the overall results.

The counting may be finished, but for the officials, the work is far from over. The challenges, outcomes and lessons from this election will continue to shape their work long after the ballots are sealed said Seumanutafa.