More than 6,000 voters in three constituencies head back to the polls to choose new members to be their representatives for the remainder of this parliamentary term on 15 September. 

The by-election dates for the electoral constituencies of Faleata No.4., Siumu, and Va'a-o-Fonoti are outlined in the writ for by-elections signed by the Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo John Stanley on Friday, 18 August. 

According to the notice, the nomination period for candidates will open next week Thursday and closes on Friday, 25 August at 12 noon. 

The last day for withdrawal of nominations is Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 12pm. 

The pre-polling day is scheduled for Wednesday, 13 September, while the main election day is on Friday, 15 September. 

It is scheduled that the return of Writ for By-elections should take place on Monday, 18 September 2023. 

The notice was made pursuant to the Warrant for By-elections issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, dated, 31 July 2023 and to sections 148(3), 149(1), and 149(3) of the Electoral Act 2019. 

The Office of the Electoral Commission over two weeks ago activated its operational plans for the by-elections which commenced with the registrations of new eligible voters. 

In a recent interview with the Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo confirmed that the total number 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. He said they were looking at ways in which they can streamline the processes of scrutinising the electoral rolls after the elections. 

Tuiafelolo also confirmed that his office is understaffed and has 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 safe and fair elections. But we are also utilising our staff."

The three by-elections were triggered after three members of the Opposition party resigned from the former ruling party. 

The three former Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) members have already been endorsed by the ruling Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party as their candidates for the upcoming by-elections. 

They are Mau'u Siaosi Pu'epu'emai, Tuu'u Anasi'i Leota and Ale Vena Ale. 

Meanwhile, the H.R.P.P. has also revealed their two candidates who are both former Chief Executive Officers. 

Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, the former Health Director is contesting the seat of Va'a-o-Fonoti while former National Bank of Samoa boss, Tuu'u Amaramo Sialaoa is up against Tuu'u Anasi'i for the seat of Siumu. 

The former C.E.O. for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) Ulu Bismarck Crawley who contested in the 2021 General Election under the H.R.P.P. banner has opted to run as an independent candidate against Ale in Faleata No.4.