Unsuccessful election candidates from the general elections can now apply for the role of chairperson for village district councils, according to a letter from the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (MWCSD) to district councils.

The letter, dated 6 November 2025, outlined revisions to the policy and organisation of district committees, including changes to the selection process for chairpersons.

Applications opened on 7 November and will close at 4 pm on 14 November. Applicants are instructed to submit their forms to the Ministry and may contact the Project Management Unit, led by Unasa Viane Toala, for further information.

The letter was signed by Acting Chief Executive Officer Ana Leau Vaasa Te’o.

Questions sent by the Samoa Observer to the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Loau Donina Vaa, were referred to Acting CEO-ICT and Communications Tuilimu Misikupa Surds Kupa, who did not respond by press time.

Loau said all media requests “must go through the ACEO-ICT and Communications.”

Questions sent by the Samoa Observer to the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Loau Donina Vaa, were referred to Acting CEO-ICT and Communications Tuilimu Misikupa Surds Kupa, who did not respond by press time.

Loau said all media requests “must go through the ACEO-ICT and Communications. Please resend your questions through the proper channel so they can be processed.”

Follow-up questions sent to Unasa Viane Toala were answered with, “Only the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has the authority within the Ministry to release information. While I am leading the District Development Program, you will still need to follow the proper channel of communication through the CEO regarding your request and response.”

The Ministry has not provided details on how the new selection system will operate.

When the District Development Project (DDP) was introduced in 2021, each member of parliament served as chairperson for their district, except for Lotofaga. Former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Lotofaga, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, did not chair her own district.