Apia, Samoa – 08 August 2025: In the lead up to Samoa’s general election on 29 August, the Samoa Law Society has called for electoral rights to be upheld to ensure a free and fair election.

In a media statement, the Society says Samoa’s system of democratic government has long recognised that all adult citizens of Samoa have equal political rights to elect their chosen representatives in government.

After decades of public debate leading up to the 1990 referendum, the people of Samoa made clear their support for universal voting rights. Subsequent changes to the electoral laws gave all adult Samoans the right to vote.

“Universal voting rights are the cornerstone of a democratic country and a fairly elected parliament. Free and fair elections are also linked to the fundamental rights of expression and participation that the Constitution guarantees for all Samoans. These include rights of freedom of speech, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of movement. These are all vital elements of Samoa’s democratic system,” says Law Society President Fiona Ey.

“A strong democracy must include informed and tolerant debate where contrary views are respected. Fair elections must also respect the freedom for journalists to report without intimidation to hold the people’s representatives accountable.

The Law Society supports the Samoa Ombudsman’s Office and National Human Rights Institution’s call for Samoans to be allowed to freely exercise their civil and political rights,” says Law Society Vice President Ann Matalasi Fata.

Rule of law is the foundation for fair and peaceful communities based on accountable and open government and just laws.

The Samoa Law Society urges all people to respect freedom of political choice and participation in the election process to safeguard democracy.

The Samoa Law Society is the professional body for lawyers in Samoa. Its role includes advocating for rule of law and upholding the Constitution and laws of Samoa.