For the scenic village of Faleaseela on the southwest coast of Upolu, it is a mission accomplished at the ballot box for local resident Taleni Sale.

The village is part of the nine villages of the Lefaga and Faleaseela Constituency and when the Samoa Observer visited the voting venue at the back of the Catholic Church at around 1pm on Friday, not many voters were to be seen with the booth already empty.

The voting started at 8am according to villager Mr Sale who indicated that the venue was packed to capacity by voters early morning.

“Some of the voters wanted to be at the voting booths before 7am but thankfully there was no trouble,” he said.

He said he had to travel to the village with his children as they did not have a babysitter and both he and his wife had to vote.

“As one of the voters, I am excited to get the chance to choose who I want to lead our constituency,” said Mr Sale who indicated that he had achieved his goal.

“I believe voting gives power to the people to decide who should be leaders so they can help the people.”

And while the country went to the polls on the last and final day of the general election on Friday, Faleaseela residents including children escaped the scorching heat by going swimming. 

One of the swimmers, Emma Aleni told this newspaper that the election has given them more free time to spend with families at home.

"Those that are eligible to vote will be standing in line while others who cannot like us will be enjoying a refreshing swim in the sea,” she said. "We all deserve a break from the every day hassle."

The Lefaga and Faleaseela Constituency also known to be the home of the Giant Clam Sanctuary with children and youth seen swimming where the popular tourist-attraction is located.