The President of the Journalist Association of Samoa (JAWS), Lagi Keresoma, has confirmed that the association will formally write to the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) following reports that members of the media were removed from polling stations during pre-polling on Wednesday.

The action comes after an incident at the EFKS Toamua Hall pre-polling booth, where a journalist and a photojournalist from the Samoa Observer were ordered to leave by police officers. A similar case was reported at the Letogo Catholic Church, where a Radio Samoa reporter was prevented from entering the polling booth by a police officer.

“This action by police officers towards journalists and the media is completely unacceptable, and I will be writing a letter to the Police regarding the issue,” Keresoma stated, emphasising the importance of media access during elections.

In response, Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo described the situation as a “misunderstanding,” explaining that the confusion arose from the enforcement of the 50-metre boundary rule. The rule prohibits photographers from taking images within a restricted zone around polling booths.

“The Samoa Police fully supports the media and their role. All officers have been instructed to stop photographers only if they cross the 50-metre boundary,” Auapaau said. “The media plays a vital role in ensuring transparency in our elections, and it is important that journalists can perform their duties without interference.”

The Office of the Electoral Commission (OEC) also weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the police officer involved may not have paid attention during the pre-poll briefing or was not fully aware of the guidelines.

The incident has raised concerns over the balance between election security and media freedom, with JAWS calling for clear communication and cooperation to ensure journalists can perform their duties effectively during the election process.