5 Mar 2011

Vote-buying claims as Samoa heads to the polls

10:30 am on 5 March 2011

Allegations of vote-buying have re-surfaced on the eve of Samoa's election.

The opposition Tautua Samoa Party says the ruling Human Rights Protection Party has been in power for 30 years because it has been giving money to voters.

It says Friday night will be used to bribe voters, with candidates allegedly handing out cash.

However, the leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, says that is what is traditional in Samoa.

He says politicians in every country spend money on campaigns and handing out gifts is no different.

The Prime Minister says he will believe the allegations if they appear before the court.

The Tautua Samoa party is urging people to vote with their conscience.