Elections in Samoa

In Samoa, elections are held for the national unicameral parliament, the Legislative Assembly, and the ceremonial head of state, the O le Ao o le Malo. Samoan citizens directly elect 51 members of the Legislative Assembly. If the women's quota is unfulfilled following an election, which requires female members to make up at least 10% of the Legislative Assembly, up to six of the highest polling unsuccessful women contestants can be appointed to the legislature. The O le Ao o le Malo is indirectly elected by members of the Legislative Assembly.

Samoa's political system encompasses traditional Faʻamatai (chiefly) and Westminster aspects. The country has held elections since the 1870s, although voting was mostly limited to matai until the introduction of universal suffrage in 1991. Candidates for parliament still have to be holders of matai titles. The first years after Samoa gained independence in 1962 saw a period of consensus politics. Elections gradually became more competitive after factional politics emerged, and political parties began appearing after 1979. Parties usually lack clear ideologies and have often engaged in clientelism and patronage to secure support from voters.

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