Samoa National Election Draws Record 187 Candidates for 50 Seats

Several elections and political developments are shaping the global and U.S. political landscapes ahead of the 2026 midterms. In Samoa, voters prepare for a highly unpredictable election with 187 candidates competing for 50 parliamentary seats, as the ruling FAST Party seeks to maintain power against the long-dominant HRPP despite internal divisions. Meanwhile, in U.S. politics, President Donald Trump's second term is marked by an assertive expansion of executive power and a strategic influence on state politics such as Texas, where efforts to redraw congressional districts aim to counteract expected midterm losses. Discussions around midterm elections underscore their increasing unpredictability, with historical examples showing shifts in party control defying expectations, making the 2026 midterms difficult to forecast. Additionally, advocacy for recognition of the Eelam Tamil people's struggles in South Asia continues in the U.S., with legislation efforts ongoing to raise bipartisan support. In the Caribbean, Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett comments on the uncertainty surrounding his political future as elections approach, highlighting the region's reliance on tourism and the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with American travel advisors.