The chairperson of Samoa's opposition Tautua Samoa party says the current system whereby state servants face losing their jobs if they stand as opposition candidates is undemocratic.
The comment follows the party's early release of the name of one candidate and District Court judge, Tauiliili Harry Schuster.
Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi says it's hoped the release will encourage other candidates from the public service run for the opposition.
"It's very sad because some of them can't declare as opposition members now because of fear of losing their jobs. While others who are running for government have already declared they're running under government because even if they lose the election they still come back and they can still have their jobs back."
Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi says Tautua Samoa is working with smaller parties to form one opposition against the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.
