The Office of the Electoral Commissioner (OEC) is ramping up preparations for the upcoming snap election scheduled for August, confirming that staffing and equipment logistics are underway with 1,300 polling officials identified.

Tuiafelolo John Stanley, the Electoral Commissioner, said 1,300 polling officials have been selected to assist with the nationwide vote. In addition to electoral staff, 800 police officers will also be trained to support operations on polling day.

“Training for all polling officials and 800 police will commence in the third week of July 2025. Another refresher training will be conducted the third week of August before polling week,” said Tuiafelolo.

The training is aimed at ensuring all staff, including temporary and newly recruited officials, are fully prepared to manage polling booths and carry out their duties efficiently and lawfully.

In terms of equipment, the OEC has received government backing to proceed with procurement and was approved on Tuesday.

“OEC has received the cabinet’s approval of the procurement of essential electronic equipment and accessories to facilitate our elections,” Tuiafelolo confirmed. 

The OEC said crowd numbers at the special registration booths at TATTE, Gym 1, and MWCSD Savai'i have remained steady since the early dissolution of Parliament on 27 May 2025. Booths will close each evening once they reach full capacity, but all registered individuals will still be processed.

The online voter registration portal will close at 4 pm on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. The Office at Mulinuu will remain open for biometric capture until 4 pm on Friday, 4 July 2025. Special booths will close at 4 pm on Thursday, 3 July 2025.

The electoral roll will officially close at 4 pm on Friday, 4 July 2025.

With the voter registration deadline closing next week and polling day approaching fast, the OEC continues to focus on operational readiness to ensure a smooth and fair election process.