| Parliament name (generic / translated) |
Fono / Legislative Assembly |
| Structure of parliament |
Unicameral |
| LEGAL FRAMEWORK |
| Electoral Law |
1 January 1963
Last amendment: 01.01.2005 |
| Mode of designation |
directly elected 49 |
| Constituencies |
- 6 multi-member (2 seats) constituencies
- 35 single-member constituencies
- 1 multi-member (2 seats) constituency for part-and non-Samoans |
| Voting system |
Majority:
Simple majority vote.
Each voter casts two votes in multi-member constituencies.
There is no threshold to win a seat.
Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by-elections.
Voting is not compulsory. |
| Voter requirements |
- age: 21 years
- citizenship of Samoa
- physical presence in country on polling day
- disqualifications: insanity, undischarged bankruptcy, conviction for offence punishable by death or at least two years' imprisonment, corrupt practice |
| CANDIDATES |
| Eligibility |
- qualified electors
- age: 21 years
- traditional heads of families (matais)
- residence in country for at least 3 years prior to nomination day
Ineligibilities:
- conviction for offence punishable by death or at least two years' imprisonment
- conviction for bribery and electoral offence
The disqualifications above are valid for four years thereafter.
- insanity/mental illness |
| Incompatibilities |
- civil servants
|
| Candidacy requirements |
- nomination by at least two registered electors of the constituency concerned at least 14 days prior to elections
- non-refundable monetary deposit equivalent to US$ 85 |
Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Electoral system module
