By Staff Writer
The Samoa Umbrella for Non-Government Organisation, SUNGO, wants the 10% threshold for women in Parliament removed.
It also called for women to return to the same electoral process of winning a seat in the House the same as men.
SUNGO made the points clear to the Electoral Commission review of the 2019 Electoral Act and Human Rights provisions currently underway.
The organization’s position on the women members of Parliament was one of 10 key conclusions agreed on a 4 June 2022 of members.
Another notable decision was for Samoans living overseas to be allowed to vote in the general elections and also to stand as candidates.
The Electoral Commission was also to look into the necessary requirements to make this possible.
Polling under electoral constituencies should be removed as well. SUNGO members believe it should be returned to the old polling arrangement based on traditional districts.
Also suggested for removal are Parliament Standing Orders to free up Members of Parliament to leave a political party to stand as an independent in the House.
The expressed viewpoints were circulated widely in a media statement from the organization, it gave the general public a rare glimpse of views reaching the Electoral Review Commission.
The statement did not give full clarifications behind their recommendations.
SUNGO has more than 200 registered membership representing non-Governmental organizations. Those in villages and churches are free to attend as well.
The organization was established in 1997.