SUVA, Oct 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) – A total of 200 candidates have nominated to run for Samoa’s general election in Apr next year.
According to Samoa Observer, the island nation’s daily English newspaper, the Office of Samoa’s Electoral Commission, said, the ruling Human Rights Protection Party, kept its lead with 114 candidates, followed by the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party, with 50, Tautua Samoa Party 14, Samoa First Political Party six, one from the Sovereign Independent Samoa and 15 Independent candidates.
Friday’s closing of nomination, which started last Tuesday, also recorded 23 women candidates.
As compared to the 2016 general election, which elected 49 Members of Parliament, constituencies have been rearranged according to changes in population and demography, bringing the number to 51 constituencies altogether.
The 200 candidates have six months to decide whether to withdraw or maintain their candidacy, two weeks before the general election, which is to take place in Apr, 2021.
The ruling Human Rights Protection Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, won a landslide victory in the 2016 general election. He has been the island nation’s prime minister since 1998.– NNN-AGENCIES
