About Samoan Elections
August 28th and 29th 2025
In a public notice, the Ministry confirmed that Thursday, 28 August and Friday, 29 August 2025 will be observed as national public holidays.
The declaration, made under Section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, applies to all government ministries, private sector organisations, and the general public.
The purpose of these holidays is to provide all eligible voters across the country with adequate time to participate in the election process.
According to the Ministry, this move reflects the government’s continued commitment to encouraging full voter turnout and upholding democratic principles.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act 2019, employers are hereby advised to make necessary arrangements for their staff who are required to work on the public holidays approved for the General Election to ensure their votes are cast,” the notice stated.
The Ministry also clarified that businesses may continue operations during the two-day public holiday period, provided they follow the legal requirements set out in the Public Holidays Act 2008.
In addition, all employers are reminded to comply with the relevant provisions of the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 and its Amendment Act 2023, particularly concerning public holiday pay entitlements.
May 20th and 21st 2021
Public Holidays have been declared on May 20th and May 21st 2021 for the purposes of the 2021 general elections, for which polling takes place on the latter day.
They were called by O le Ao o le Malo (Head of state) Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II following the inconclusive results of the April 2021 elections, but before the new parliament had even been convened or numerous electoral court petitions settled.
"It is the duty of all registered voters to cast their votes during the general election in accordance to the Electoral Act 2019," the notice announcing the April 8th and 9th holidays for the first elections read.
The note states that employers are advised to make necessary arrangements for those staff who are required to work on the public holidays approved for the elections.
Universal suffrage was introduced in 1990, permitting Samoan citizens over the age of 21 to vote in person. The Constitution Amendment Act 2013 ensures a minimum of 10 per cent of seats in parliament were reserved for women.
