Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula issued the following statement last night based on the unofficial results of the November 19 run off election:
“We thank the Lord for His continuing tender mercies as we celebrate a peaceful election in American Samoa.
“The world is a troubled place at times, but the American Samoan people are blessed as we continue to place God first, as stated in our motto, ‘E muamua le Atua.’
“Throughout this long campaign, Pulu and I have pledged that if elected we would lead our government with honesty, with transparency, with accountability, with fairness, and with love.
“Now that the voters have given us their trust to fulfill our promises, we ask for, we need, the prayers of all of American Samoa as we begin our HOPEful journey together.
“We need to come together and heal any wounds or divisions that a long campaign creates in our families and villages. Please be kind to one another. Please let God’s spirit propel us forward in the days and years ahead.
“Thank you to all the candidates who ran for office, thank you to our campaign committees, thank you to all the voters, whether they voted for our team or their other favored candidates.
“Let us heal, be kind, and renew our commitment to making American Samoa a beautiful home for ourselves and our children.”
Results
59.8%, 5,846 of the 9,771 voters who cast ballots in the run off election yesterday voted for Pulaalii to be the next Governor, and High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr. to be the next Lt. Governor of American Samoa.
Pula and Pula unseated incumbent Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Lt. Governor Laapui Talauega Eleasalo Ale who received 40.2%, 3,925 ballots. The results will be made official next Tuesday provided there are no challenges.
It was in the districts with large numbers of voters that Pula and Pulu widened the gap against their opponents. In Tuala-uta, they won by 687 votes, 1,401 to 714 votes for Lemanu and Laapui.
In Pago Pago, the vote difference was 329: Pula and Pulu-492 votes, Lemanu and Laapui- 163.
In Ituau, Pula & Pulu won by 243 votes: 738 for Pula and Pulu and 495 for Lemanu and Laapui.
Other substantial victories were in Aua where Pula and Pula received 263 votes to 92 for Lemanu and Laapui. In Leone, the result was 429 for Pula and Pulu and 276 for Lemanu and Laapui.
Out of the 17 voting districts, Lemanu and Laapui topped the polls in four: Vaifanua, Sua No 2, Alataua and Tuala-tai but the margins were slim.
The Hope 2024 slogan of the Pulu and Pula campaign promised Honest Governance governance, Quality Healthcare, Exceptional Education and Expansion of Economic Growth.
Following the November 5 general election, the United for Change ticket of Vaitautolu Talia Iaulualo and Maefau Dr Mary Taufetee threw its support for Pula and Pulu.
Pula has served as Director of the Office of Territorial and Insular Affairs, Department of Interior for more than 20 years. Pulu is a US Army retiree and has headed the Pago Pago Field Office of Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata for the last ten years. He is also a former member of the American Samoa House of Representatives.
Click link for the results by district: 2024-runoff-election-territorial-summary
