Samoa’s Parliament in Apia has passed amendments to the Electoral Amendment Bill 2024, granting citizens the right to register to vote from overseas. Despite opposition concerns about the potential influence of the diaspora on general elections, the amendments were approved on Friday morning.

The MP for Sagaga No.2, Maulolo Tavita Amosa, voiced apprehensions about the impact of the amendments, noting that a significant portion of the Samoan diaspora in New Zealand could potentially sway the outcomes of parliamentary decisions. According to Amosa, 107,000 out of 182,000 Samoans residing in New Zealand are eligible to vote in Samoa.

However, Samoa’s Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo John Stanley, refuted these concerns, emphasizing that only citizens who have resided in Samoa are eligible to vote. Tuiafelolo clarified that overseas Samoan citizens must meet specific criteria and complete a biometric test in Samoa to finalize their registration.

The amendments, advocated by the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, aim to facilitate the voting process for Samoan citizens living abroad. Tuiafelolo asserted that the changes are geared towards inclusivity and ensuring all eligible Samoans can participate in elections.

Samoa’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, assured that the country would not be governed by outsiders, provided the changes to the electoral act are implemented.

The amendments have sparked debate regarding the balance between diaspora representation and local governance in Samoa’s electoral system. Despite opposition concerns, proponents argue that the amendments promote democratic participation and inclusivity among Samoan citizens worldwide.

(By: Georgina Ledua – Assistant Digital Media Specialist and Administration Assistant @ Fiji Television Ltd | NCAS Administration)