Samoa Electoral Commissioner

Samoa Electoral Commissioner's action 'unconstitutional' says FAST

The Electoral Commissioner announced last night thatĀ Ali'imalemanuĀ Moti Momoemausu Alofa Tuuau would become the 52nd MP to ensure that a minimum of 10 percent of seats in the parliament are held by women.

In the poll 12 days ago, five women were elected and FAST party leader, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, said they considered that that satisfied the constitutional requirement, because the document specifies five seats for women.

Appointment of new Samoa Electoral Commissioner

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.