Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings is returning for another two-year term as the Swains representative in the House of Representatives.
He was unanimously selected to represent the people of Swains at a meeting of Swains islanders held last Wednesday. This would be Jennings 11th term as the Swains island delegate.
In the past, the meeting for Swains islanders to pick their representative was held at the Election Office. However, according to an opinion from the Attorney General’s Office, the Election Office must remain a neutral venue for all registered voters and cannot be the facility where the selection is made.
Election Office officials were not present at the meeting last week which was held at the guest house of High Chief Tuanaitau in Pavaiai.
The Constitution states that the adult permanent residents of Swains Island who are United States nationals may elect at an open meeting a delegate to the House of Representatives, who shall have all the privileges of a member of the House except the right to vote.
Jennings would be one of five incumbent members of the House of Representatives who will be returning in the new year. The others are Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr, Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, Faimealelei Anthony Allen and Fiu Johnny Saelua, who are running unopposed.
