Compulsory voting

The Electoral Bill 2018 was introduced in Parliament this week by Justice Minister Fa'aolesa Katopau Ainu'u who said that it would be the duty of all registered voters to vote on election day because if they do not, they would be committing a crime.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi during a ministerial speech in Parliament this week said the bill will repeal the Electoral Act 1963, and will ensure elections are aligned with trends of today.

He went on and said that for the first time since Independence all members of parliament are matais or chiefs.

The Electoral Bill 2018 allows for the repeal of legislation passed just after Samoa became independent in 1962.

It contains close to 80 amendments.

One key amendment is for compulsory voting for all registered voters.

The legislation allows for a penalty of $US39 dollars if people do not have sufficient reason for failing to vote.

Photo source Government Press Secretariat