1960 Western Samoan Constitutional Assembly election

Constitutional Assembly elections were held in Western Samoa on 23 July 1960.

Background

In preparation for independence on 1 January 1962, a Constitutional Assembly was called to write a constitution for the soon-to-be independent country. The Assembly was to include the 46 members of the Legislative Assembly elected in 1957, the Fautua, Tama-a-Aiga Tuiaana Tuimaleali'ifano Suatipatipa II, 123 elected chiefs and 10 elected Europeans.
In order to vote in the elections, European residents were required to take Samoan citizenship. However, only 500 of the 1,500 eligible Europeans did so, with some arguing that they should not have to renounce their nationality at a time when the Samoan state did not exist.

Campaign

In the 41 Samoan constituencies, only twelve had more than three candidates and required a vote to take place. All candidates were matais. Only five Europeans were nominated for the ten seats, all of whom were returned unopposed.