Youths hope for a change in the electoral law so that there can be younger candidates in the election. For them, the biggest obstacle is having a matai title and rendering the service for the many years required by the law.

The general elections will be held in less than two months. The next item on the electoral calendar is the nomination of candidates. This starts on 7 July and ends on 12 July.

"Yes, I believe having a youth running for office can be good. He represents our time and generation, I mean, we'll never know, maybe he or she could bring in a different perspective that could help in the building of Samoa. The world we live in is still moving and upgrading as we go along, having a new face and perhaps a new point of view could be the change that we might need," said youth leader, Anthony Tauaitia. 

Another youth leader, Tom, also shared the same sentiment as Anthony.

"The matai title is what keeps the youth from being part of the political arena. But if there are youths who have titles and know that they have the potential and qualify to be a politician, then why not? But they should keep in mind that they are there to serve the people of Samoa. Who knows? Maybe in the next election, if we are alive by then, I will be able to run for my district," he said.

It is their understanding that young candidates are passionate about the issues that impact them. That’s why they’re at the forefront of our community-based activism. It’s also because the young generation's diversity, fresh perspectives, and status as the future leaders of a nation make their voices critical in shaping the nation’s future.

The candidate list will be formalised by 14 July and that is when campaigning will start. Once the list is finalised, it will also given an indication on who the youngest candidate is.