ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

OUR VALUES

These are the core values of Samoa Public Service. We will be guided by these VALUES in everything we do.

  1. Honesty – acting honestly being truthful and abiding by laws of Samoa
  2. Impartiality – providing impartial advice acting without fear or favour and making decisions on their merits
  3. Service – serving the people well through faithful service to the Government
  4. Respect – treating the people the Government and colleagues with courtesy and respect
  5. Transparency & Accountability – taking actions and making decisions in an open way being able to explain the reason for actions taken and taking responsibility for those actions
  6. Efficiency & Effectiveness – achieving good results for Samoa in an economical way
  7. Independence – maintain independence in decision making and action
 OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE 
OEC to become a strong institution, we are also guided by important principles that underpin our democracy.

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

  1. To optimize voter registration opportunities to achieve an accurate, comprehensive and up to date national voters’ roll
  2. To prepare, conduct, supervise free, fair and inclusive elections and referendums
  3. To strengthen partnership with national and international stakeholders to ensure advancement of our electoral systems and processes
  4. To plan and implement strategies to educate civil society on democracy and electoral processes
  5. To enhance and sustain the people of Samoa’s trust and confidence in the electoral process
  6. To ensure the Office of the Commission acts within the parameters of the Constitution and governing law
  7. To develop, implement and maintain a robust and resilient ICT systems for election processes.
  8. To conduct electoral research, publish reports and develop policy to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the Office
  9. To provide a professional and enabling business environment to support our core business
  10. To enhance and protect OEC organizational values by providing risk based audits and objective assurance, advice and insights
  11. To provide effective leadership and prudent management that embrace best practice and good governance

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

OEC is governed by the Electoral Commission Act 2019. The Office is structured into five divisions as listed above. The Internal Auditor and Public Relations Officer reports directly to the Electoral Commissioner whilst the Executive Assistant provides office administrative support.

OEC’s current structure is the result of the changes proposed in the previous strategic plan with the establishment of the Investigations Unit under the Legal and Policy Division to investigate electoral offences and electoral matters as well as the establishment of the Assistant Electoral Commissioner position to lead the Electoral Operations and Returning Services Division.

LEGAL FUNCTION

The functions and responsibilities of OEC are stipulated in the Electoral Commission Act 2019 and Electoral Act 2019 are as follows.

  • Conduct elections of members of Parliament and referendums;
  • Provide advice relating to the Act to Members of Parliament, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and those wanting to run for Parliament;
  • Register political parties
  • Conduct studies and publish results relating to Samoa’s electoral system and laws;
  • Undertake public awareness programs regarding the Act;
  • Prepare and submit to Government annual reports and post General Election reports; and
  • Register voter and maintain election rolls
  • Determine eligibility of voters and candidates in a timely manner.
  • Investigate matters relating to electoral offences

Operations of OEC are fully funded by the Government’s Annual Budget. OEC reports to the Minister only for financial and budgeting matters.

 

LEGAL MANDATE

The Office of the Electoral Commission is governed by the following Laws and government policies:

  1. The Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa 1960
  2. Electoral Commission Act 2019
  3. Electoral Act 2019
  4. Electoral Constituencies Act 2019
  5. PFM Act 2001
  6. OSH Act 2002
  7. Oaths, Affidavits and Declaration Ordinance 1963
  8. Crimes Act 2013
  9. Public Records Act 2011
  10. Telecommunication Act 2005
  11. Treasury Instructions 2013
  12. Cabinet Directives
  13. Pathway for Development of Samoa
  14. OEC Employment Guidelines 2019
  15. Government Circulars

OEC is mandated to ensure democratic systems and processes are in place for citizens of Samoa to exercise their rights and freedom to vote in a free, fair and inclusive elections as well as the right and freedom to vote in a national referendum without fear. In addition, OEC is also responsible to provide public awareness and education programs to educate our people of their democratic rights and freedom to vote which is guaranteed under the Constitution of Samoa.      

OUR SERVICES

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES

  1. Registration of eligible voters
  2. Registration of Political Parties
  3. Conducting of elections of members of Parliament and referendums
  4. Providing information and education on electoral matters
  5. Conducting research on electoral matters
  6. Investigation of electoral offenses
OUR STANDARDS
  1. Attend to the customer immediately
  2. Answer the telephone in 3 rings
  3. Identify ourselves by name
  4. Responds to telephone messages by the end of the next working day
  5. Responds to verbal queries within 3 working days
  6. Responds to written queries within 10 working days
  7. Provide update of your query if a delay is likely
  8. Acknowledge and correct an error when occurred
  9. Honor the Public Service Values and Code of Conduct

OUR DIVISIONS

Electoral Commissions Portfolio

  • To advise Head of State, the Legislative Assembly and any committee of the Legislative Assembly through the Speaker and government through the Minister on matters pertaining to elections;
  • Successful delivery of general elections and by elections;
  • High level of confidence of the public in the electoral system through awareness campaigns;
  • Availability of required resources whether financial, human or capital;
  • Prudent management of funds released for operations from government and development partners; and
  • Efficient administration of elections through optimized processes and skilled workforce
Internal Audit Unit

  • Provide independent assurance to add value to the Office’s operations in terms of internal controls oversight and risk management.
  • Conduct investigations into irregularities involving public monies and properties of OEC and other government agencies involved
Public Relation Unit

  • Undertake public awareness programs on electoral legislations and electoral processes

REGISTRATION DIVISION

  • Determine issues of eligibility of voters prior closing of electoral roll; and
  • Register all eligible voters in the electoral
  • Ensure effective management and maintenance of the electoral roll

 

ELECTORAL OPERATION & RETURNING DIVISION

  • Ensure election operations are in line with relevant legislation
  • Prepare and submit professional technical advice on electoral matters and referendums
  • Annual registration of political parties
  • Prepare and submit election reports in time

 

LEGAL, POLICY & INVESTIGATION DIVISION

  • To provide legal advice on electoral matters to the Electoral Commissioner
  • Conduct legislative review of the Electoral laws;
  • Lead or assist in prosecution and court litigation
  • Conduct and carry out research on electoral matters; and
  • Administer the development of internal policies and procedures.
  • Carry out investigation of potential violation of the Act during pre-elections and post elections
  • Conduct legal research on electoral matters
  • Develop and review internal policies and procedures

CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

  • Lead and coordinate human resource management and capacity building development
  • Provide corporate administration including accounting and financial services, assets management and procurement, records management and transportation services
  • Create a culture of continuous improvement;
  • Create and uphold values and ethical culture of OEC and Public Servant;
  • Contribute inputs in pursuit of strategic direction for OEC.
  • Provide support services to the management and all staff members.
  • Coordinate and develop strategic plan for the Office ensure alignment with PDS and relevant legislations

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

  • Exercise oversight on electronic electoral roll;
  • Effective management and maintenance of OEC Website; and
  • Ensure application of information technology services in all functions of OEC.