Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Hosted by the Samoa Consulate General’s Office in American Samoa, the 63rd Independence of the Independent State of Samoa was celebrated locally with a special church service held at the Matu’u and Faganeanea CCCAS.

Consul General Fata Brian Kaio welcomed the territory’s leaders as well as guests, expressing his gratitude for the shared heritage and strong ties between the two Samoas.

Among the attendees were Acting Governor Gwen Tauili’ili-Langkilde, representing Governor Pulali’i N. Pula and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, members of the Fono, government officials, and members of the Samoa community.

In her address, Acting Governor Tauili’ili-Langkilde extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Samoa on their 63rd year of independence. She emphasized the enduring bond and mutual respect between American Samoa and Samoa, acknowledging their shared history, cultural ties, and ongoing collaboration across generations.

Consul General Kaio expressed appreciation to the Government and people of American Samoa for their continued hospitality toward citizens of Samoa living and working in the territory.

He encouraged all Samoans to continue building a strong foundation of faith and love through hard work and unity.

Reverend Fouvale Asiata of Matu’u and Faganeanea CCCAS, with roots in Samoa, shared his gratitude for the opportunities Samoa’s citizens have in American Samoa. He reminded all to remain united in purpose and to place God at the center of their lives, echoing the values enshrined in both Samoan communities’ traditions and seals.

BACKGROUND

Samoa's 63rd Independence Day celebrations in Samoa proceeded as planned, despite the announcement by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa confirming the dissolution of Parliament, after the government’s budget was voted down at its first reading the previous day.

Flame noted that the government would operate in caretaker mode with oversight on public expenditure.

The official Independence Day program began with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 1st, at 6pm, at Muliwai Cathedral, followed by a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, June 2nd, in front of the Government Building at Eleele Fou.

The formal dissolution of Parliament occurred on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Constitution requires a general election to be held within 90 days. The regular general election had been scheduled for April 2026.

The early election in Samoa comes right in the middle of its voter roll being ‘renewed’. All eligible voters are required to register, or re-register.

According to Samoa's Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo John Stanley, only “53 percent of eligible voters have registered so far… so we haven’t closed our rolls.”

He confirmed that an affidavit was being filed to the Supreme Court "to seek their direction for the Office of the Electoral Commission with a new electoral timeframe" and to request six additional weeks "to complete the electoral roll to make sure our roll is ready in order to conduct an open and fair election".

Toleafoa said that overseas diaspora will only be able to vote by returning to Samoa in person. The online portal is open for registration but voters will have to travel to Samoa for fingerprinting biometrics.