Samoa Votes in 2025 General Election with 187 Candidates

Voting commenced in Samoa on March 15, 2025, as more than 100,000 eligible voters cast their ballots to determine the next government. A total of 187 candidates are competing for 50 seats in the country’s parliament, representing six political parties and 46 independents.

The governing FAST Party leads the pack with 58 candidates, closely followed by the HRPP with 50 candidates. The current caretaker Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, represents the Samoa United Party with 26 candidates, while the Samoa Labour Party has five candidates in the race.

Polling Infrastructure and Security Measures

The Electoral Office has established over 400 polling stations across the islands, supported by approximately 1,300 polling officials and around 500 police officers tasked with maintaining order and security during the election process.

On the eve of the election, the atmosphere in the villages was calm. Community councils gathered for evening prayers, reflecting a collective hope for a peaceful election day. Polling is scheduled to close at 15:00 local time (14:00 NZT).

Meanwhile, the first parliamentary seat has already been declared following early voting that concluded on March 13. The Office of the Electoral Commission announced that Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo will hold the Faleata 2 seat. This decision came after a Supreme Court ruling disqualified other nominated candidates due to issues of ineligibility, marking the Faleata 2 constituency as uncontested.

As the day unfolds, the results will shape the political landscape in Samoa, with significant implications for the governance and future policies of the nation.