Aspiring politicians eyeing the three by-elections next month came out in full swing on Thursday morning when the Office of the Electoral Commission opened its doors for candidates' nominations. 

Nine candidates gathered at the O.E.C. with their supporters representing different parties including the ruling Fa'atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.), the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) as well as an independent. 

It could not be confirmed by press time if all the nine candidates submitted all the documents required and certified by the Electoral Commissioner. But that is not a problem for the candidates as the nomination period doesn't close until 12 pm on Friday this week. 

While the candidates supported different political parties, at their nomination registration they set aside their political differences and shook hands, with one common goal being to serve their constituency if any one of them won.

Those who arrived early to register were the independent candidate for Faleata No. 4 Ulu Bismarck Crawley, as well as Tu'u'u Amaramo Sialaoa who is running for the Siumu seat under the H.R.P.P. banner. 

H.R.P.P. candidate and former director general for health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, who is contesting the Vaa-o-Fonoti seat followed shortly after. 

The three F.A.S.T. candidates Ale Vena Ale, Tu'u'u Anasii Leota and Mau'u Siaosi Puepuemai then walked in together with their candidate documentation.

Another independent candidate, who is contesting the Vaa-o-Fonoti seat, turned up at the O.E.C. saying he is waiting for the completion of their political party registration with the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) before he can confirm his nomination.

Feutagaimaalii Tuimalatu Brown said if their party's registration is delayed due to the paperwork filed with the M.C.I.L. he will then run as an independent candidate but he hopes to have the party registered so he can represent it during the by-election.