Court weighs objections to poll timetable

By Bethel Ale 10 July 2025, 6:30PM

The Supreme Court is considering concerns raised by legal counsel representing major political parties over the proposed electoral timeframes set by the Office of the Electoral Commissioner (OEC) ahead of Samoa’s 2025 General Elections.

Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Pere presided over the matter, which involves submissions from the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party, Tumua ma Pule Republican Party, and Samoa Labour Party (SLP).

Sarona Ponifasio appeared for SUP, Fuimaono Sefo Ainu’u for HRPP, and Mapusua Tanya To’ailoa for FAST, with the three parties raising concerns over the compressed schedule for voter and commissioner objections as well as nomination challenges under the OEC’s proposed timeline.

FAST raised constitutional concerns, arguing that the short timeframes could infringe on the fundamental rights of voters and candidates. The party emphasised that the limited window may hinder proper access to the courts and the fair exercise of the right to contest elections, as safeguarded under Samoa’s Constitution. 

FAST also requested that voter eligibility challenges should not be limited to the pre-election period but should also be allowed during the post-election petition process. This, they argued, would help ensure electoral integrity beyond the rigid timeframe.

SUP lawyer Sarona Ponifasio raised practical concerns and suggested that the electoral roll be made available online to improve accessibility, especially for remote communities. Ponifasio argued that easier access to the roll would give voters and candidates a genuine opportunity to check and raise any objections within the limited time.

HRPP’s counsel Fuimaono Sefo Ainu’u supported the call for more reasonable timeframes, highlighting logistical difficulties that could hinder participation and fairness.

In contrast, Tumua ma Pule Republican Party and Samoa Labour Party (SLP), through counsels Tia Toni Taulapapa and Seumalu Robert Oswald, accepted the OEC’s proposed timeframes without objections.

Under the OEC’s schedule, the final electoral roll will be issued on Friday, 11 July 2025, with the public notice of candidates on Monday, 14 July 2025. Objections and nomination challenges must be filed by Friday, 18 July 2025, with hearings starting from Tuesday, 29 July 2025.

Chief Justice Satiu assured the Court’s careful review continues. The hearing resumes tomorrow.

By Bethel Ale 10 July 2025, 6:30PM
Samoa Observer

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