There’s heavy campaigning underway by the two gubernatorial camps, Lolo and Lemanu and Faoa and Sanitoa but a lot of it is not visible. KHJ News has surmised that unlike previous elections where there were public rallies, an open display of bumper stickers, T-shirts and other campaign paraphernalia, the campaigning is not as public with this year’s election. Whereas in the past, campaign committees will walk the villages with candidates, election law banning the provision of gifts, traditional or otherwise, that have any association with candidates running for office, has put to pasture that traditional style of swaying voters. Previously campaign committees in line with cultural protocols, would present gifts of sua and cash to villages and would be reciprocated in the same manner by village chiefs. The law now prohibits such exchanges. Reports from both camps say they are leaving it up to their supporters in the villages to identify and work with families and individuals who have supported them in the past and also convince any undecided voters. And they are making use of technology to get to the voters. Social media is being heavily used by the Faoa Sanitoa camp more so than the Lolo Lemanu re-election campaign. The incumbents have yet to announce a date for their kick off. Fiu Johnny Saelua, who is co chairman of the Lolo Lemanu Camp with Malemo Tausaga says they have yet to finalize a launch date. Lt Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has been off island for the funeral of Mrs. Pohakalani Mauga and has not returned. KHJ News understands that several election related meetings are taking place incognito, some in directors’ offices. From this reporter’s observation, if compared to previous gubernatorial campaigns covered since 1980, this campaign season is less open and it’s almost as voters are going underground with their campaigning.
