The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) has clarified the Government’s process for appointing District Council Chairpersons, following Samoa Observer’s 12 November editorial titled: Clarity needed on changes announced to district council appointment.

In a statement, Minister of MWCSD, Moefaauouo Julius Tafuna'i, said the Government’s revised expectations for Chairpersons are intended to strengthen how districts carry out development responsibilities.

“Chairpersons must be individuals of integrity and good standing, respected within their districts and capable of managing public development funds responsibly,” Moefaauouo said. He added that appointees are expected to ensure services are accessible to all families and aligned with national development priorities.

The Ministry said the framework governing the selection and appointment of Chairpersons is required to meet the Constitution, the Community Development Act and existing governance systems within the Ministry. According to the Minister, no appointment will move forward unless all legal and procedural obligations are met.

“The Government has initiated review and processes to continuously improve the DDP and its related operations and policy alignment. No appointment will proceed without full compliance and proper process,” Moefaauouo said.

The Ministry also outlined steps it says are designed to ensure transparency in the appointment process. These include community consultations, public eligibility criteria and a "nationwide circular" outlining the appointments.

As part of a broader review of the District Development Programme, the Ministry said districts will be required to report development progress, demonstrate transparent use of public funds and provide public updates on outcomes. The Minister said the Chairperson is expected to lead the district team in meeting these requirements.

Strengthening monitoring obligations and governance standards, the Ministry said, places greater responsibility on Chairpersons to oversee development activities, manage funds and coordinate between village councils, district committees and government agencies.

Moefaauouo said the Government recognises the role of village councils and that their authority remains central within the revised structure.

The application for the role of chairperson, which was open on 7 November to unsuccessful candidates in the 2025 elections, closed on 14 November. Applicants were instructed to submit their forms to the Ministry and contact the Project Management Unit, led by Unasa Viane Toala.

When the District Development Project was introduced in 2021, each member of parliament served as chairperson for their district.