Luatuanuu children took full advantage of a national holiday on Thursday, playing and swimming totally uninterested in the “election” which was consuming their parents' time.

All under 15 years of age, the nine children frolicked in the crystal clear waters and played with the sand.

Nearby a group of matai sat in a Samoan fale in deep discussion as the children went about their business.

One of the boys, Loto Posi, told the Samoa Observer that he wasn’t sure why the general election was a big deal and he only wanted to spend his day at the beach.

"I don't know but they are going to the election at our church hall. I just want to swim," he said smiling. 

With most schools closed due to the Term 1 holidays, Loto and his cousins are using the break from classes to have fun.

"No school today and tomorrow so it's okay we can play all we want and have fun,” he told this newspaper.

“We have done our daily chores, and this is our only time to play. We are all cousins. 

“We live there, that's our house, I really don't know what this election is all about. 

“The only thing I know is my mum is going to the election."

The pre-polling for Luatuanuu on Thursday was held at the E.F.K.S church hall and was moved to the Luatuanuu Catholic Church hall on Friday for the general election.

Luatuanuu is a seaside village on the north coast of Upolu Island and is about 10 km from Apia.

A total of 7,414 people cast their days in four days of pre-polling that kicked off on Monday and concluded Thursday. On Friday over 116,000 people went to the polls in Samoa's 2021 General Election.