Samoa's Electoral Commissioner's office may be merged with the Legislative Assembly before next year's general election.
A voter casts his vote in the Gagaifomauga number one by-election August Photo: Tipi Autagavaia
The government's proposal is a recommendation from a parliamentary committee, tabled in Parliament and accepted by the Prime Minster, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.
The recommendation has surprised many, since the office was originally separated from the assembly to give it more independence in the handling of elections.
Tuila'epa has told Parliament the Government will look into the recommendation and report back to the house for further discussion and a final decision.
The government is also yet to make a decision on the suspension of the Electoral Commissioner, Papalii Malietau Malietoa, who was stood down in December with another colleague, following allegations of non-compliance with governing legislation and policy.
The two-week suspension has been extended while the investigation continues.