Campaign materials for candidates remained visible in parts of Siusega, Faleata, and other areas of Samoa, even though the official election campaigning period ended on Sunday 12 pm. 

Observers and residents reported that vehicles were still displaying candidate posters, and some campaign posts on social media remained active.

Under the Electoral Act 2019, Section 43, candidates are prohibited from campaigning during the “prohibited period,” which began on 24 August, and continues until after the official declaration of results. This period is designed to ensure a fair environment during the final stages of the electoral process.

Section 44 of the Act establishes that a candidate who breaches Section 43 commits an offence. On conviction, a candidate may face a fine not exceeding five penalty units, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. 

Despite these regulations, some campaign posters remained in place, and social media activity promoting candidates continued. Observers noted that several vehicles are still carrying candidate posters, and online posts promoting candidates are still being shared, even though the campaigning period has legally concluded.

The Electoral Commission has instructed candidates to remove all campaign materials promptly once campaigning ends. Officials emphasised that leaving posters during the prohibited period is not permitted under the law. While the Act does not explicitly define penalties for leftover materials or online campaigning, their continued presence could be interpreted as a breach of electoral regulations.

Residents in affected areas confirmed seeing posters still displayed after the cut-off. One Faleata resident said, “Some vehicle posters are still up. It seems not all candidates have removed their campaign materials.”

Electoral Commission officials confirmed that monitoring is ongoing. They stressed that compliance with the campaign rules is essential to maintain the integrity and fairness of the electoral process and said appropriate measures would be taken if materials or social media posts continued to contravene regulations.