Election Commissioner to Be Confirmed in New Fono Session

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Confirmation of the territory’s new Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Uiagalelei Lealofi is on the agenda for the third regular session of the Fono which begins next Monday.

Uiagalelei replaces Tuaolo Manaia Fruean who moved to the Senate last year, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of Mauga Tasi Asuega as Secretary of Samoan Affairs.

Governor Lolo Moliga last week submitted to the Fono leaders his nomination of Uiagalelei to be Chief Election Officer for a full three year term.

Before he was appointed to head the Election office, Uiagalelei was Manager of the Help American Vote Act (HAVA).

The governor said, “As Manager of HAVA, Uiagalelei was responsible for instituting programs that will help modernize and increase the reliability of voting systems in American Samoa.

“This has given him a great depth of knowledge on voting laws, procedures and requirements as well as an understanding of the territory’s unique challenges.”

Of Uiagalelei’s experience, Lolo said he’s a former director of Human and Social Services and Director of Education.

He holds a doctor of education, a master in history and school administration and a bachelor in history and secondary education.

Governor Lolo gives Uiagalelei his full endorsement saying, “I have every confidence that Uiagalelei will run an Election Office that is reliable and efficient.”

During the last Fono session, the governor appointed two new members of the Hospital Authority Board, Mike Fuiava and Dr Saipale Fuimaono.

They replace Leilua Mase Akapo and Tofaeono Dr. Victor Williams who were essentially forced out.

However the two are still active on the hospital board until their replacements are confirmed and that’s expected in the upcoming session.

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