Two Policemen apparently breached regulations governing freedom of the press on election night after barring the Samoa Observer from photographing a polling station, the Police Commissioner confirmed. 

The incident took place outside the E.F.K.S. Alamagoto Parish Hall polling station.

The hall was one of several stations set up for the Vaimauga No. 4 constituency on Friday.

One Police Officer closed the hall’s exit door in an attempt to block a Samoa Observer journalist from capturing photographs of voters casting ballots. 

“We have orders,” he said.

The Police Officer, stationed at the backdoor of the polling booth, said that photographs inside the hall were not allowed.

A second Police Officer who manned the entrance to the polling station told the Observer to have “patience” and that photographs taken from outside are not allowed for “safety” reasons.

But the Samoa Observer immediately contacted Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, after the incident occurred. He contradicted the officers' instructions and confirmed the actions were legal. 

The Police Commissioner said the taking of photographs was clearly allowed “from outside the facility.”

“You can take shots from outside the facility. Not inside,” Fuiava told the Samoa Observer.

“I’m trying to reach [the officer concerned] or the Command Post from Southeast of Upolu.”