The Office of the Electoral Commissioner has confirmed the full timetable for the 2025 Early General Election, following the Supreme Court ruling on 5 June that gave legal authority for the election to be held within three months of the parliament’s dissolution.

The official process began on 10 June with the Writ of Election from the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II. On 16 June, the Commissioner Tuiafelolo John Stanley will issue the formal Notice for Nominations, kicking off the official election period.

Key deadlines include:

• 27 June (5 p.m.) – last day for voter objection applications

• 4 July (4 p.m.) – closing of the electoral roll

• 7–12 July (noon) – candidate nomination period

• 5–16 August (4 p.m.) – applications open and close for pre-polling

• 14 August (noon) – deadline for candidate withdrawals

• 27 August – pre-polling day

• 29 August – Polling Day

• 1–5 September – official count

• 5 September – results declared

• 8 September – return of Writ and announcement of elected MPs

The Electoral Commissioner has also proposed a legal timetable for court matters. Voter objection hearings will conclude by 2 July, while the deadline for nomination challenges is 18 July, with responses due by 25 July and court decisions by 15 August.

Meanwhile, voter re-registration remains a major challenge. As of 12 June, just 64 per cent of eligible voters had registered. Urban constituencies like Faleata 1 (43.6 per cent) and Vaimauga 3 (49.5 per cent) lag significantly. In contrast, rural areas such as Falealili 2 and Gagaifomauga 3 are nearing or exceeding 90 per cent.

Online re-registration has seen 5,611 local submissions, but only 158 from overseas, with a large portion still incomplete, especially among New Zealand and Australian residents.

The Electoral Commission urges all eligible voters to complete their registration in time to participate in this historic early election. Failure to register will result in a $2,000 fine, while not voting carries a penalty of $100.