ELECTION BUDGET : Minister of Finance Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai
Staff Writer
The Caretaker Minister of the Ministry of Finance Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai confirmed that the Office of the Electoral Commission proposed a budget of $3.5 million tala for the General Election next year.
However, since the early dissolution of parliament, as well as the Supreme Court ruling which upheld the 3 month period to hold the General Election as stated in Article 64 of the Constitution, this proposed budget will be released to the Office of the Electoral Commission for their preparations.
Lautimuia said the $3.5million tala will come from the 25 percent of the current budget 2024/2025 that the Caretaker Government is allowed to use to operate the country’s economy.
Lautimuia also added, the releasing of the $3.5million tala to the Office of the Electoral Commission will need the Head of States approval.
In a previous interview with the Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley said, their preparations include the need for 421 ipads, 421 computers, new ballot boxes, vehicles and the hiring of temporary staff for the election.
Toleafoa said extra booths will be set up at Tuanaimato as well as Apia Park and the main office in Mulinuu for the eligible voters to travel to register.
He urged everyone to use the 3 weeks left to register before the electoral roll officially closed by the end of this month.
Samoa’s general Election will be held in 29 August 2025.
