One of the questions fielded by the team of Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Pulu Ae Ae Jr. during the Women’s Coalition of American Samoa, “Meet the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum,” was the first three priorities they will address if they are elected.
Here’s an excerpt from candidate for Governor Pula’s reply.
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The candidates were not asked the same questions.
The team of Vaitautolu Talia Iaulualo and Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufetee was asked for their opinion on whether it was time to elect senators and the Attorney General. Responding in Samoan, candidate for Lt. Governor, Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufetee said, electing the AG would make the office independent and free from influence of the government.
She said if the position is elected by popular vote, it would prevent the office holder from being selective on which cases to prosecute and which to leave aside. But she did not say whether or not she supports it.
On the election of senators, she believed that the status quo should be maintained. She said the selection of senators from high ranking matai of districts ensures that the culture is maintained and this gives a balance to our democratic form of government.
How does the government plan to address cultural barriers that may prevent women from being recognized as matais? That was a question for the team of Lemanu and Laapui.
Candidate for Governor Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga said the selection of matais is the prerogative of families and the government cannot dictate who should be a matai. He said only a few villages, Pago Pago being one, have women matais. Some villages have rules prohibiting women from being matai.
Lemanu said through the Office of Samoan Affairs, and with the support of churches, the government may be able to initiate discussions with village leaders about women matai. He said the Women’s Coalition can be part of such consultations. But beyond that, the government cannot tell villages or families who can or cannot be a matai.
