The Supreme Court has issued the timeframes for the remaining steps in Samoa’s general elections.
Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese has clarified the timeframe for legal challenges to be brought against a candidate’s nomination or a voter’s registration on the Electoral Roll.
The Courts as well as OEC will have their work cut out for them as the timeframe as set down is extremely tight.
Key Dates:
Friday 4th July 2025: closure of applications to be included in the Electoral Roll.
Saturday 12th July 2025: a Notice of Registered Candidates to be issued by OEC.
Monday 14th July 2025: The Electoral Commissioner to provide printed copies of the finalised Electoral Roll for all political parties and to Independent Candidates.
4pm Friday 18th July 2025: the last day for filing of voter and Commissioner objections;
Monday 21st July 2025 – 4pm Friday 25th July 2025: Objections must be personally served to voters who have challenges brought against them.
By 10am Monday 29th July 2025: OEC to issue names of voters who have been personally served.
By 2pm Tuesday 30th July 2025: OEC to effect notice on voters who were not notified as having been personally served, of the objection by way of substituted service. This shall be done by publication on the OEC Website, and any OEC social media account, in the Savali newspaper, and issued to all media.
Wednesday 31st July 2025: All objections to be called in the District Court for scheduling and hearing.
Notice by substituted service must include the grounds for the objection and the date the matters are set to be called in the District Court at Mulinuu. That date has also been set for 10am Wednesday 6th August 2025.
These grounds are set out on Section 28(1) (a), (b) or (c) Electoral Act 2019. There may also be a Commissioner’s objection under Section 29 Electoral Act 2019.
The notice must also state that publication of the voter’s name means that a challenge has been made and the voter has a right to be heard against the challenge.
By 12pm Friday 8th August 2025: the Electoral Commissioner to publish the Final Electoral Roll.
Friday 15th August 2025: this has been set as the last day for the District Court to issue decisions on voter and Commissioner objections.
The CJs decision also states that if the objections are not able to be heard and determined by Friday 15 August 2025, they will be heard after the General Election.
Timeframe for Court Processes
Friday 18th July 2025: last day to file nomination challenges by candidates, or the Electoral Commissioner’s application to amend decision.
These motions are required to be served by the next day Sat 19th July 2025;
Friday 25th July 2025: last day for filing responses to motions;
Monday 28th July 2025: The Electoral Court calls over motions.
Tuesday 29th July 2025: Hearings of candidate challenges to commence.
The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and OEC shall issue a list of hearings and times for hearings to be published via its website, social media, and to the media.
Friday 15th August 2025: the last day for the Electoral Court to issue decisions on nomination challenges and Electoral Commissioner’s application.
“Pending further order of the Court in the event that the Court is unable to hear and determine all nomination challenges, the remainder will be deferred to be heard and determined following the General Election 2025.”
His Honour the Chief Justice acknowledged and thanked Counsels of the various parties for their helpful submissions and assistance in establishing this timetable.
However the CJ has also invited any challenges to the dates set.
“I grant leave for the parties to apply to seek adjustments to the timetable and any further directions as might require the Court’s assistance,” said the Chief Justice.
The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Faatuatua i Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) and the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) were all represented in Court.
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