Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio

The Samoa Observer reports the Minister of Justice, Matamua Seumanu Vasati Pulefana, has ordered that "no further preparations" be made on the appointment.

Matamua said she is unable to find specific provisions in the Land and Titles Act 2020 that caters for the proposed appointment.

Faimalomatumua handed in his resignation after the final count of votes for the recent six by-elections, effective immediately.

The Head of State makes the appointment under advice from the Judicial Commission.

The electoral commissioner Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio told Samoa Observer that two of the people charged were government appointed village representatives who were verifying that registering voters were residents of the constituency.

Faimalomatumua told the paper the village representatives have been charged with providing false information to verify residential status.

The accused will appear in court on 28 August for hearing.

Meanwhile, 423 registered voters who failed to vote now have to pay a $US37 penalty fee or face court charges.

The vacancy was first advertised for public interest, and only Faimalomatumua submitted an application. The vacancy was advertised for the second time and no one applied.

Hence the panel called Faimalomatumua for an interview based on Section 36 of the Public Service Act 2004.

After an assessment by the panel, a recommendation was submitted before Cabinet for approval.

Afioga Faimalomatumua has been Acting Electoral Commissioner since the position became vacant.