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Samoa considers compulsory voting

 Samoa government building, Apia. [Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades]

Samoa's Electoral Commission has issued a report recommending compulsory voting in parliamentary elections.

The current electoral law requires only for compulsory registration of voters but not for voting.

The Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has confirmed that cabinet will look at the report next week.

Tuila'epa said registered voters should elect people who upheld justice to run the government by exercising their rights at times of election.

He said there was no use for compulsory registration if voters would not then take part in the election.

Tuila'epa said in previous elections some voters only went to the polls if someone from a candidate's election committee provided transport plus money before casting their votes.

The Electoral Commission has also recommended increasing the number of parliamentary seats.