The operational plans for the Office of the Electoral Commission have been activated with the staff currently working on registration of new eligible voters for the three constituencies heading back to the polls. 

This was confirmed by the Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo John Stanely in an interview with the Samoa Observer on Friday at his office in Mulinu'u. 

The warrant from the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly was issued on Monday this week which activated the operational plans of the O.E.C. 

"The process for any elections starts with registrations," Tuiafelolo said. 

"So it started on Wednesday and registration closes on the 18th of this month. 

"Once the electoral rolls will be closed, we will give out another notice finalising the dates for the nomination of candidates, campaign periods, pre-polling, and the election dates.

"So those days will be announced on the 18th of this month."

Tuiafelolo said the total amount of registered voters for the three constituencies from the General Election in 2021 was 6,034. 

Of that number, 2,171 are from Faleata No.4., 2,191 from Siumu and 1,672 from Va'a-o-Fonoti. 

Tuiafelolo confirmed that his office will not be using the new system for the forthcoming by-elections. However, he said they are looking at ways in which they can streamline the processes of scrutinising the electoral rolls after the elections. 

"For the Vaimauga No.3. by-election, the process took longer than expected and we started scrutinising the rolls from 12 noon up until 6 pm.

"So we are looking at ways we can streamline the process to make it a bit shorter without affecting the rolls and to make sure that the rolls are balanced.

"We just want to make the process easier, effective and efficient. 

"Once that is completed, we will then have the official counts."

Lastly, Tuiafelolo confirmed that his office is under-staffed and have sought the assistance of public servants. 

"We only have a staff of 46 people and we have already sent our letters to C.E.O.s of different government Ministries, seeking their approval to allow the public servants to help us. 

"This is also to ensure that we have enough people to assist us to ensure a safe and fair elections. But we are also utilising our staff. 

"We hope there won't be any elections, but that can only be determined after we close the nomination period."