Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean has written to Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga saying that the Senate insists he follow the law and put the veto override referendum on the November 5th ballot.
The same day that Election Commissioner Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei told the Senate he will obey the Governor’s decision not to include the veto override amendment on the ballot, Tuaolo wrote to the Governor concerning his decision.
Tuaolo said Lemanu’s letter of September 26 states that his reason not to include he amendment on the ballot was because ballots have already been printed, absentee ballots distributed and votes cast.
But he said the Election Commissioner and attorney to the Election Office Nathaniel Savali had testified at a Senate hearing September 30, that there is no cut off date for when the Legislature may submit a proposed constitutional amendment to be placed on the ballot.
Tuaolo told the Governor, “Based on this, the Senate must insist you follow the law and put the veto override referendum on the November 5th ballot.”
He added, “We suggest sending out just the veto override referendum portion of the ballot to those who have already voted. ”
Tuaolo told KHJ News that as of Thursday morning, the Governor had not responded to his letter.
The veto override amendment would give the Fono the authority to override the Governor’s veto of legislation. At present, the veto override power rests with the Secretary of the Interior.
