The public have been warned that it is a crime to tamper with campaign election billboards and officials have called for a spirit of fair play as Samoa heads into general elections.
With just five weeks until the general election, political tensions are heating up — and now, it appears, spilling into acts of vandalism on candidate billboards.
A campaign billboard for Faleata II election candidate Leatinuu Faumuina Wayne Sooialo was discovered torn down early Friday morning. The structure was splintered and its solar light stolen.
The campaign billboard, which had stood along the main road at Falelauniu next to the Taula Beverages sign, was installed less than a week ago last Saturday.
Leatinuu’s campaign team expressed dissapointment over the incident, but say they won’t let it get them down.”
“The billboard was anchored properly. Someone clearly targeted it. And stealing the solar light? That’s no accident.. e ese ma le leaga o nei tagata..”
The long serving Member of Parliament for Faleata II and current Caretaker Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour posted about the incident this morning on .
“You can tear down my billboard, but you cannot breakdown my determination to succeed,” posts Leatinuu.
“I could have bought you a solar light,” he says about the senseless act.
Candidate billboards of all major parties have been seen going up along main roads and high-traffic areas since Samoa’s election campaign period officially opened.
Samoa’s Electoral Act allows candidates to promote themselves within the “campaign period” which OEC has announced to be from Monday 14th of July to 12pm to Sunday 24th August. The cost of each billboard, including installation is estimated at $1,500 tala.
Vandalism is a crime in Samoa.
“Yes, damaging or destroying property, including billboards, without the owner’s consent is considered vandalism and can lead to fines or even jail time,” confirmed the Police Commissioner.
Reports of damaged election signage were also reported in the lead-up to Samoa’s 2021 election vote.
As election day draws near, officials are urging the public to uphold a spirit of fair play.
The Office of the Electoral Commissioner has also reminded candidates and supporters that tampering with campaign material is a criminal offence and call for respectful campaigning.
In the meantime, Leatinuu’s team is working to replace the billboard, to be put up at the same place tomorrow.
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