By Staff Writer
The Office of the Electoral Commissioner is calling on all 1445 registered voters of the Gagaifomauga No.3 Friday by-election to make their voices heard by voting.
“That can only be done if they turn up and be part of the by-election. Good luck also to both candidates,” Electoral Commissioner, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio urged in a statement before leaving for Savaii.
As of today, Thursday 27 August 2020, 11 votes have already been cast in Apia from 16 registered voters who are allowed to pre-poll.
“One had written in that due to mobility issues she’s not able to cast her vote,” Faimalomatumua added in the statement.
“Of the four voters who applied to pre poll in Savaii, two have already indicated that they will cast their vote on Friday instead of doing it by pre-polling.
“The ballot box for the pre polling here in Apia is now under the custody of Police until Saturday when we carry out the final count in Savaii.”
The OEC Office is closed on Friday to allow for ‘the majority of its election team’ to be in Savaii for the by-election.
Polling opens from 8.00am to 3.00pm with the provisional count to follow at the Stevenson Manase Hotel resort where it will be streamed live on the OEC Office Facebook page.
The Gagaifomauga No. 3 former MP La’auli Leuatea Schmidt is heavy favourite to win the by-election with the endorsement from three of the four villages in the electorate.
His lone political rival, Fa’aulusau Simi Laulua, is supported by the leaders of Aopo village.