Bill calls for separate election of Governor and Lt. Governor

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The Governor and Lt. Governor will be elected separately under a bill introduced today by Senator Soliai Tuipine.

According to the proposed legislation, the offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor shall be nominated and elected separately, instead of jointly.

“The Election Office shall prepare the necessary policies, procedures, petitions and documents to ensure the integrity of the separate elections of Governor and Lt. Governor pursuant to election laws,” states the bill.

This is not the first time that a bill calling for the separate election of the top two positions of the executive branch has been introduced in the Fono.

A similar bill was introduced by Senator Soliai in 2016, with Senators Afoa Moega Lutu, Gaea Perefoti, Fuiava Avaloa, Magalei Logovii and Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua as co-sponsors.