Three teams are running in the gubernatorial election, five are aiming for American Samoa’s seat in Congress and 62 are contesting 20 of the 21 seats in the House of Representatives . House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale is running unopposed in his District of Alataua.
The 21st House seat belongs to Swains and their representative is selected in an open meeting.
The list of candidates certified by the Election Office to have their names on the ballot in the November 8 election was released last night by Election Commissioner Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei.
Tuika Tuika and Salanoa Iuni Maeva Saveena is the third team that’s entered the race for governor and lt. governor, joining the already publicized teams of Faoa A. Sunia and Larry Sanitoa and Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lemanu Palepoi Peleti Sialega Mauga.
The candidate in the congressional race whose just now become known is Timothy Jones.
The others are Aumua Amata, Meleagi Suitonu Champman, Paepaetele Mapu Jamias and Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin.
In the local House race, the only incumbent who’s not seeking re-election is Larry Sanitoa who’s entered the gubernatorial election.
There are a lot of first timers in the pool of candidates for the House race including a director, and several ASG employees, and military retirees.
Eleven women, believed to be the highest number in the local House election , will also be on the ballot.
Female candidates running for the first time include Fatima Langkilde in Lepua and Leloaloa, Barbara Fesilafa’I Peina Salima in Aua, Va’asa Uluiva Simanu in Aunu’u, Saipai Cassens in Tuala-uta, and Taumanupepe Faafetai Maiavatele Hunkin Seumanu in Vailoa.
The other women in the race are Salote Lutu Schuster in Utulei, Gataivai and Fagaalu, Fiasili Puni Haleck who once occupied the Pago Pago House seat, Andra Samoa in Leone, Su’a Lucia Bartley and incumbent Vui Florence Saulo for Tuala-uta and incumbent Atalaina Asifoa in Leasina.
Uta Dr. laloulu Tagoilelagi currently director of the Arts Council a candidate in the Vaifanua election, former Director of Public Works Taeaotui Tilei is on the ballot for Manu’a District #2, and former Chief Immigration Officer Ufuti Faafetai Ieremia is running in the Tuala-uta election.
Former lawmakers trying to re-enter the House include Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi, Fiasili Puni Haleck, Limutau Limutau, Tuialofi Faalae Lauatua’a Tunupopo, Tapumaniaia Galu Salele, Galumalemana Bill Satele, Gafatasi Afalava and Maneafaiga Faoa.
