Our correspondent reports the police presence was heavy at the polling places from the 8am opening.
On Savaii island voter turnout was heavy in the morning.
At Utulua, Asau, one of the chiefs, Masoe, said that voters cast ballots in the morning then go home and do their chores, like any other day.
Asked what he based his vote on, he said he voted for a stable and experienced government, one that has the interests of all of Samoa at heart.
Samoa Parliament
Photo: RNZ Pacific
He conceded he was surprised that government ministers were shaky after the pre polling.