A senior public servant who has worked in different Government ministries for more than three decades is Samoa's new Electoral Commissioner.

The Cabinet officially announced their endorsement of Tuiafelolo John Stanley to take up the position, which had been vacant for more than a year, through a statement issued by the Government Press Secretariat on Saturday.

Currently, Tuiafelolo is working as the Manager (Corporate Governance) at the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.). 

Tuiafelolo was shocked on Friday morning when he was approached by this newspaper to confirm his appointment, after highly placed Government sources advised that the Cabinet on Thursday evening signed off a recommendation from the panel, to appoint him as the new Electoral Commissioner. 

According to a statement from the Government Press Secretariat on Saturday, Tuiafelolo has worked Samoa for more than 30 years under different Government agencies.

This include Public Service Commission, National Health Services, the Labor Department and the E.P.C. where he is currently.

"He has excellent skills in human resource management as well as in corporate planning, including setting goals and identifying clear and practical activities to achieve the goals," the statement reads. 

"He had a thorough understanding of the Electoral Act 2019 and related legislation, as well as the need for the Office of the Electoral to make independent decisions.

"Tuiafelolo Alexander John Stanley holds a Master in Business Administration in Management and Public Administration, a Diploma in Public Sector Management, and Diploma in Education. His appointment is for five years."

The top role at the Office of Electoral Commission (O.E.C.) had been vacant for over a year now after the former electoral commissioner, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio tendered his resignation letter on 1 December 2021. 

Earlier this year, Minister Faualo told this newspaper that Samoa’s next electoral commissioner should "understand the law and not play politics".

As the incoming election boss, he has his work cut out for him, after the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly issued a Notice of Vacancy for the Constituency of Vaimauga No. 3. The residents will head back to the polls to vote for a new member following the recent passing of Papali'i Niko Lee Hang.

Another task at hand is the report on the Commission of Inquiry into the 2021 General Elections which had been conducted by an Independent Commission, which is now finalising its report following extensive public consultations.