Chief Election Officer, Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei was bombarded with questions from anxious House Representatives regarding a law passed a few years ago banning certain campaign activities on Election Day.
Uiagalelei, who was later joined by Attorney General, Talauega Eleasalo Ale, explained the dos and the dont’s based on their interpretation of the law.
Representative Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr. asked the CEO if the law allowed him to prepare food at his house to give to his constituents as the polling place is some distance away.
Vesi said this isn’t stated by the law.
Play AudioVesi NO free food
According to Uiagalelei, the law states that there shall be absolutely no campaign activities from 12:00 in the morning to 6:00PM the day of the election.
Vesi pointed out that there could be a loop hole in the the law.
He asked the CIO to take a look at the website address for the Election Office listed on their manual for this year’s election.
He told Uiagalelei his relatives and supporters off-island say the system is not working when they try to register.
Rep Atalina Asifoa urged the Chief Election Officer to train their employees to follow and administer the election law properly.
She explained that during the last election she observed that in the older matais of their village sitting in the hall where the election was held with their village mayor and an election candidate.
She needed clarification if this was allowed under the new election law.
Uiagalelei said the law is clear…the only people allowed in the polling place are election officials, poll watchers for the candidates and the candidates themselves.
Anyone else including elderly matais who are part tapuaiga or wellwishers are not allowed.
Uiagalelei said they can take their tapuaiga somewhere else but not in the polling place.
Rep. Atalina Asifoa said she was mistaken in the last election as she thought the law prohibits candidates from hanging around or sitting in the polling place.
Rep. Maluia Mulinu’u quoted from the proposed measure to remind the CIO of what the law dictates.
Play AudioMaluia Mulinu’u Election
