Tuaolo Manaia Fruean of Ma’uputasi District, who’s also Senate President, was voted in as Chairman of the 2022 Constitutional Convention this morning, beating out Faiivae Alex Iuli of Fofo by a vote of 72-37.
Other names who were put forward for the chairmanship but declined were Togiola Tulafono of Sua, Lefiti Pese of Manu’a, Magalei Logovii of Tuala-uta and Savali Talavou Ale of Alataua.
Malemo Tausaga of Manu’a asked the delegates from Tutuila to give the honor of chairing the convention to Manu’a, noting that chiefs of Tutuila have held the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman for past constitutional reviews, but never Manu’a.
Togiola, in withdrawing his name, nominated Lefiti for chairman but Lefiti declined, instead, nominating Togiola. Lefiti said that Togiola was the only chief of Tutuila who had a heart for Manu’a.
Soliai Tuipine spoke up strongly for Tuaolo to lead the convention saying, his wealth of experience as a former Speaker, lawmaker and, now, Senate President, would make him an effective and able Chairman.
When it became apparent that the vote would be between Tuaolo and Faiivae, Soliai asked Faiivae if he would acquiesce, to which the Fofo delegate asked, if it was Soliai’s wish for him to withdraw from the election of Chairman. Faiivae suggested that Tuaolo be Chairman while he serves as Vice Chairman. Nevertheless, a secret ballot was held and the outcome was 72 for Tuaolo and 37 for Faiivae.
Nominees for Secretary were Taotasi Archie Soliai of Ituau, Iulogologo Joseph Pereira of Mauputasi, Le’i Sonny Thompson of Manu’a and Ti’alemasunu Dr Mikaele Etuale of Tuala-uta. Iulogologo and Le’i declined their nominations and the vote was between Taotasi and Ti’alemasunu. The result was, Ti’alemasunu 58 and Taotasi 46.
Photos: Governor’s Office
