Chief Election Officer Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei says he intends to address issues which have been raised by Fagatogo’s outgoing representative, Leapai Sipa Anoai, and a poll watcher for congressional candidate Paepaetele Mapu Jamias, Rosie Tago Lancaster.
Uiagalelei said in an interview with KHJ News that he welcomes the points raised in the letters from Leapai and Tago Lancaster and will respond to them.
Leapai had questioned why voters whose names were purged from the voter list were allowed to cast ballots after the voter roll was released, and authorities didnt stop activities in and around the voting place in Fagatogo on Election Day which in his view were clear violations of election law.
These include having tents, campaigning, loitering and supporters of candidates sitting in buildings next to the voting place .
Tago Lancaster had questioned the handling of unused ballots during the counting of votes on election night.
She says she had objected when the Election Office supervisor at the Nu’uuili polling place said he and other Election Office employees would deal with the unused and unmarked ballots, numbering more than 300, after the counting of votes was completed.
She said the Election Office should have a procedure for handling these ballots which should be made known to everyone, and ensure that the election process is independent and protected.
Uiagalelei said the Election Office will respond officially to the concerns raised and welcomes that there is discussion on the election process.
