Taxi drivers in Vaitele say they are preparing for Samoa’s upcoming election, which has been declared a public holiday, with many noting it will be their first time working under such circumstances.

“At this stage, we still do not know if people will be travelling around,” said Ioasa Asisasi, a driver for Kol-a-Cab. “There might be people who have already organised vehicles that will take them to voting booths — we don’t know. But if there is income from those people to taxi drivers, it would be nice, so then we are still working a normal day.”

Some drivers see the holiday as an opportunity, especially with fewer buses expected to operate. “It will be a benefit for us as some buses won’t be travelling due to it being a public holiday,” said Sefo Sio Talolo. "Hopefully, we will get a profit. I know I will be working on Thursday, but not Friday, because I will be voting myself.”

For newer drivers, the day remains uncertain. “I wouldn’t know what to expect on election day,” said Apiauta Tauati, who began driving this year. “I just know it won’t be like a Christmas Day or Father’s Day.” 

Chris Asi noted that the public holiday will be different as more people will still need transportation. "People will still be travelling around on the day, not like other public holidays where people stay home," he said.

Veteran driver Sililo Lui, 46, said he cannot afford to stop working. “For me, this is the first time, especially on an election day, becoming a public holiday. This is my job to help out my family, so I will still be working normally. If I don’t work that day, I won’t make any money,” he said. Lui supports nine children.