Lists of election candidates at the polling booths. Photos: Cherelle Jackson
Samoan Elections 2011
3 March 2011
The Samoan general elections will be held this weekend, and there are fairly short odds for the incumbent party. Cherelle Jackson reports from Apia
There are exactly 100,810 voters registered in the Samoan electoral roll this year, but that does not mean they are all voting this Friday.
As the 159 candidates prepare themselves for the Friday election, some voters have decided to make good use of the long weekend, and go for a holiday to New Zealand, book fales at the beach or just have a nice long rest at home.
One voter booked his family of six for a four-day trip to New Zealand to take advantage of the long weekend.
"We know what's going to happen, so might as well make good use of the four-day break," said the father of four who did not want to be named in case he was tracked down by the electoral office.
His nonchalant attitude towards the elections is shared by some other voters, who have given in to the fact that the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) will come out winning once again.
Indeed, that's the word on the street as Apia township prepares to close down for the two voting days.
HRPP continues its strength in numbers, with 79 candidates up for the election on Friday.
PM reelected
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi has been reelected unopposed, thus securing his seat along with one other candidate, while the rest of the candidates are up for the race this Friday.
But Tuilaepa has told local media he will step down when he knows the time is right.
Meanwhile, the Tautua Samoa Party, which has gained momentum in the past year leading up to the election, has 39 candidates.
Tautua, which has been aggressive in its public campaigns will only be recognised as a legitimate opposition if they have seven or more candidates elected this Friday.
There are 41 independent candidates who will also be vying for the 49 seats in Parliament.
So, as the electoral officers prepare their ballot boxes for the Friday elections, some are just happy to take two days off work.
One voter booked his family of six for a four-day trip to New Zealand to take advantage of the long weekend.
"We know what's going to happen, so might as well make good use of the four-day break," said the father of four who did not want to be named in case he was tracked down by the electoral office.
His nonchalant attitude towards the elections is shared by some other voters, who have given in to the fact that the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) will come out winning once again.
Indeed, that's the word on the street as Apia township prepares to close down for the two voting days.
HRPP continues its strength in numbers, with 79 candidates up for the election on Friday.
PM reelected
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi has been reelected unopposed, thus securing his seat along with one other candidate, while the rest of the candidates are up for the race this Friday.
But Tuilaepa has told local media he will step down when he knows the time is right.
Meanwhile, the Tautua Samoa Party, which has gained momentum in the past year leading up to the election, has 39 candidates.
Tautua, which has been aggressive in its public campaigns will only be recognised as a legitimate opposition if they have seven or more candidates elected this Friday.
There are 41 independent candidates who will also be vying for the 49 seats in Parliament.
So, as the electoral officers prepare their ballot boxes for the Friday elections, some are just happy to take two days off work.
Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson
Samoan journalist