Samoa election polls close amid historic uncertainty, results awaited

Samoa's election is described as its "most unpredictable" due to the governing party's split. Photo / Getty Images

By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai of RNZ

Polls have closed in Samoa’s general election, where more than 100,000 eligible voters cast their votes.

The election, described as the “most unpredictable” in Samoa’s history, had no clear favourite after the governing party split in two factions, leading to the collapse of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s minority Government.

Polling stations shut at 3pm local time (2pm NZT) today, with preliminary results expected at the weekend and official results due from Monday.

The election is described as the "most unpredictable" due to the governing party's split. Photo / Mark Papalii, RNZ

Voting is compulsory in Samoa and the Electoral Commission has said people in line at close of polling will be allowed to vote.

However, they had warned anyone registered to vote who did not cast their ballot would face penalties.

A total of 187 candidates are contesting for 50 seats in Parliament, representing six political parties and 46 independents.

One seat has already been declared unopposed.

The mood in Apia is calm, with children playing in the streets, produce stalls lining the roads and popular tourist spots packed out.

Supporters of Fiame and Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi were gathered at their homes.

Local media report that the two leaders met earlier today, suggesting possible coalition discussions may already be under way.

– RNZ