The Samoa Observer faced criticism during a gathering outside the main police station in Apia, organised by the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party in support of its chairman, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, who is facing charges. A supporter in the crowd began chanting, “We don’t need the Observer here.” Meanwhile, former Samoa National Development Party member Vui Masinamua Seinafolava confronted a Samoa Observer photojournalist, pointing directly at them and demanding that all his statemen

The Moatoga Warehouse, located behind the SMI Hardware building near the Fugalei Market area, was engulfed in flames after 10 p.m. The Samoa Observer was at the scene and observed firefighters and police securing the area as fire trucks made their way through the narrow road to reach the back of the property. Video: Junior S. Ami / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer

The Samoa Observer has launched an interactive map of the 2025 General Elections by constituency, providing readers with real-time updates as the results unfold. The map will display the vote share for each seat as well as the overall tally of seats secured by each political party. It will go live on the Samoa Observer website from today, Friday 29 August, and remain active until the final results are declared on Monday 1 September. A dedicated section, Samoa Elections 2025, is also now live on

Polling officials at Lotofaga began the day with a prayer service led by Rev. Kapeni Matatia before booths opened at 8 a.m. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is expected to vote here today. Video: Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo/Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer