The date for the swearing in of the Governor and Lt. Governor would be changed from 12 pm on January 3, to 12 pm January 10 of the year following a gubernatorial election if a bill introduced by Senator Togiola Tulafono is approved.
The bill states that the date for the swearing in of newly elected members of the Fono, as set by the Constitution, is 12 pm on January 3rd. Local statute provides that the Governor and Lt. Governor are sworn in at the same time, 12 pm January 3rd.
“This scheduling conflict prevents the leaders of our territory from being able to attend and participate in one another’s ceremonies,” says the bill’s preamble.
“The Legislature’s participation at the inauguration of the Governor and Lt. Governor represents a unified commitment to serve the people of the territory. It reflects the cultural emphasis on coming together during pivotal moments in our territory’s history to acknowledge shared responsibilities and uphold the harmony of leadership.”
The bill amends the statute which sets the date that the Governor and Lt. Governor are sworn in. Instead of 12 pm on January 3, the new date for the swearing in of the two leaders would be 12 pm on January 10, in the year following a gubernatorial election.
And they will be in office until 12 noon on January 10, four years later.
