The Office of the Electoral Commission is footing the bill for the accommodations and meals of the 1,700 officials who will be part of the general elections at different polling booths, confirm women's committees.

The women's committee in Falealili No.1 confirmed that they, the "Mafutaga Tina", are preparing accommodations for the officials, including mattresses, pillows and will also prepare meals for both the pre-polling and the day of the general election.

"We were told that we will get paid for accommodation and food that we are preparing for the officials who will be using our hall as one of the polling booths," said the women's committee.

In Falealili No.2, the women's committee also confirmed the same matter, saying they, the mafutaga a tina for their church, will prepare mattresses, pillows, sheets and food for pre-polling and the general election for the officials, and they will get paid by the Office of the Electoral Commissioner.

Initially, there were 451 polling booths assigned by the Office of the Electoral Commissioner before the candidate challenges in the Electoral Court.

However, there will be fewer polling booths since Faleata No.2 will not go into the polls after Leatinu'u Wayne Sooialo is now uncontested after winning his challenge in court.

Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo Toleafoa John Stanley, in a press conference with the media last week, reminded the public that rules are strict at each polling booth, especially with all cellphones and cameras being banned.

That applies not only to the voters but to the scrutineers who will be assigned to each polling booth.

Whoever is caught taking mobile phones or cameras in any polling booth will face the consequences from the Electoral Officers in charge of each polling booth or the authorities.