Tuala-uta lawmaker Vui Florence Saulo has started the ball rolling to add two additional representative for the most populated district in the territory, in the House,
She’s received the endorsement of House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and ten fellow lawmakers for House Joint resolution 35, a proposed constitutional amendment which woould increase the number of House Representatives to 23.
Co sponsors of the measure include Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr, Matagi David Mauga, Manumaua Wayne
Wilson, Kitara Vaiau, Puleleiite Tufele Li’a Jr., Timusa Tini Lam Yuen, Fagaoatua Dorian Salave’a, Gafatasi Afalava and Lavea Fatulegae’e Mauga.
Vui says that Tuala- uta district is home to almost two thirds of the territory’s population and home to many residents from other districts such as Manu’a, Alataua, and Fofo to name a few.
She feels that the shift in population demands an adequate number of representatives for Tuala-uta.
Vui said her district is underrepresented in the present composition of the Legislature, having only two members.
Tuala-uta‘s other faipule Samuel Ioka Ale Meleisea was not a co-sponsor of Vui’s resolution as he has been off-island.
In the Senate, Senator Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua has authored a Senate Joint Resolution to add two Senate seats for Manu’a.
Co-sponsors of the measure are Senators Galeai Tuufuli and Misaalefua Hudson.
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The resolution states that originally, the Constitution mandated there be 15 members of the Senate including five from the western district, five from the Eastern District and five from Manu’a.
The change in the number of representatives for the three districts took place during the 1960’s Revised Constitution where the number of senators was increased to 18 adding four more to the Eastern District, one for the Western District while seats for Manu’a were reduced from 5 to 3.
Now the incumbent Manu’a senators want their other two seats to be restored.
