Under local law if a Senate vacancy exists less than 3 months before the end of the current legislature, the Governor shall appoint a qualified person to fill such a vacancy.
It was under this provision that Acting Governor Laapui Talauega Eleasalo Ale appointed Lualemaga Sofeni Lualemaga to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Manu’a District #2 senator Malaepule Saite Moliga.
Malaepule resigned his title and vacated his seat in the Senate, leaving an unexpired term of less than 3 months.
Acting Governor Laapui, in consultation with the District Governor of Manu’a and county chiefs, appointed Lualemaga to serve out the reminder of Malaepule’s term. Malaepule is taking up the title Taaga from Fitiuta and, therefore, can no longer represent Manu’a District No. 2 which includes, Ofu, Olosega and Sili.
Monday morning, Chief Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr. administered the oath of office for Senator Lualemaga, who will serve until January 3, 2025.
His wife held the Bible on which the new senator swore to uphold the constitution and laws of the United States and American Samoa. Lualemaga, 60, worked for many years in the Electric Division of the American Samoa Power Authority before his retirement.
Before the swearing in, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean appointed a committee comprising Senators Magalei Logovii, Togiola Tulafono and Ma’o Gogo to review Lualemaga’s credentials. Senator Togiola speaking on behalf of the committee said that the county chief’s signature did not appear on the documents naming Lualemaga to fill the senate vacancy, but said the Governor’s signature was sufficient to meet the requirements of the law.
After he was sworn in, Lualemaga took the seat that his predecessor had occupied for the last four years.
Both the Senate and House resumed Monday morning after a long break that was intended to await completion of the Fono building so that the final five days of the 38th Legislature could be held in the new building. However, that plan did not materialize as the new Maota fono is far from ready, and will not be completed until next year.
