The Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO) has called for a revamping of the electoral roll in its entirety. Also to repeal the 10 per cent constitutional mandate for women’s representation in Parliament, to ensure men and women are given fair and equal opportunities to run for public office.
At the same time, Electoral Commission should continue to promote for more women to run for office.
This is outlined in their submission to the Electoral Commission of Inquiry in June and recent releases to the local media, with recommendations to address a number of issues following the 2021 general elections.
A statement issued by SUNGO called for the electoral roll to be reviewed to determine the accuracy of the roll to ensure eligibility criteria including Chiefly titles are reflected, also there is a need to re-register everyone on the roll.
Furthermore, there is a need to put in place guidelines to ensure the accuracy of information provided by voters before they are recorded in the electoral roll.
According to the SUNGO’s submission, there is a need to review the latest changes to the electoral constituencies that were approved by Parliament in 2017 and call for them to be reverted back to their original constituencies, more from SUNGO in later bulletins.
In June, a panel was appointed by Cabinet to oversee the Electoral Commission of Inquiry as mandated under the Electoral Act that a national review is conducted of the electoral process after every General Election.
This is to determine issues that require improvement for future elections.
Led by former Public Service Commissioner Tuu’u Dr Ieti Taulealoa, the Commission members’ term of reference is to review the election process and make appropriate recommendations, said Minister of the Electoral Commission, Faualo Harry Schuster during an interview with Radio Polynesia.
Other members are Faamausili Dr Matagialofi Lua’iufi; Feesago Geogre Fepuleai; Letuiman’usina Dr Emma Kruse-Vaai; Peseta Arasi Tiotio; Reverend Tavita Roma; Erelini Vaiao Eteuati; Leulua’ialii Tasi Malifa; Tupuola Koki Tuala and Vaaelua Rimoni Vaaelua.
