An announcent from the Office of the Electoral Commission that the Campaign Period cannot commence until the end of the Nomination Period has caused confusion amongst candidates, who have already published their campaign posters, widely shared on social media.
According to the most current version of Samoa’s Electoral Act – candidates must only promote themselves within the “campaign period”. The OEC has announced that to be from Monday 14th of July to 12pm on Sunday 24th August.
Section 43 (1) states that “the campaign period commences within 3 days after the close of nomination.”
The closure of nominations for candidacy was earlier annunced by OEC to be 12:00 noon on Saturday 12th July 2025.
There is also a Prohibited Period referred to in Section 4 (2) which reads: A candidate is prohibited from campaigning during the prohibited period. The prohibited period is between Sunday 24th August and after the official declaration of results.
Section 44 sets out the criminal offense: A candidate who breaches section 43 commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 5 penalty units or to imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both.
It’s important to note that the Law only refers to candidates. It is silent to Political Parties showcasing their Plans and Campaign Promises.
To summarise periods of the general elections set down by the OEC:
Voter Registrations will close 4pm this Thursday 3rd July.
Online Registration Portal will close 4pm Wednesday 2nd July.
Nomination Period: The OEC will receive nominations for Candidates from 8am to 5pm Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July AND Saturday 12 July from 8am to 12pm.
Campaign Period: Monday 14th July to 12pm Sunday 24th August.
Prohibited Period (for campaigning): From 12pm Sunday 24th August “until after the official declaration of results” (in which time it is unclear why a candidate would want to campaign).
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