Caretaker Minister of Police and Vaimauga No. 4 candidate, Faualo Harry Schuster, has removed all of his campaign billboards, posters, and promotional materials ahead of the Electoral Commission’s official deadline of 12 p.m. on Sunday, 24 August.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Faualo confirmed he instructed his campaign team to clear materials across areas, including Palisi, Alamagoto, Lalovaea, Tufuiopa, Mulivai, Matafele, and Apia. “I chose to do it now so that everything is removed well before the deadline. I’d rather comply with the law than risk breaching it,” he said.

The Electoral Act 2019 stipulates that campaigning is permitted only between 14 July and 24 August. It further requires all campaign materials to be taken down by the end of this period. Failure to comply is considered an illegal practice under Part 13, Division 2 of the Act, which governs activities during the election period. Breaches may result in penalties, including financial fines.

In past elections, some candidates delayed the removal of their materials until the final hours of the campaign, prompting reminders from election officials. The Commission has reiterated that the 12 p.m. Sunday deadline applies to all candidates equally.

With early voting scheduled for 27 August and the general election set for 29 August, the removal of campaign materials marks the formal end of active campaigning. Other candidates are expected to complete the same process before the deadline.