The Samoa Observer has declined a request from the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) to retract an article published in the newspaper.

The article reported that administrative steps for officially endorsing former Ombudsman Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli as the new mayor for Malie were being finalised.

In an email sent to the Samoa Observer, the Ministry, through its Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Va’a, said the article was “inaccurate and misleading,” claiming its earlier comments were only meant to confirm that administrative processes were underway but did not confirm any name or individual.

In response, the Samoa Observer invited the Ministry to clarify whether the “administrative steps” referred to another person other than Maualaivao, but no response was received.

A previous Samoa Observer article confirmed that the village of Malie had applied to the Ministry to replace its village mayor with Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli last Tuesday.

In its retraction request, Loau said, “The Ministry values and respects media freedom and responsible journalism, but also holds firmly that accuracy, fairness, and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. Misrepresentation of official communications risks misleading the public and undermines confidence in both Government and the media.”

The Ministry also requested that “any future reporting on its official statements or administrative processes be verified directly with the MWCSD Communications and ICT Division prior to publication.”

When asked for comment, the Samoa Observer Editorial Board said it does not retract a story unless the report is proven to be inaccurate.

The newspaper also sought further comment from the Ministry but no response was received as of press time.