An effort is underway to recall Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula.
A FaceBook page which first appeared on July 2 titled. “Remove Pula 2025,” states, “Driven by a deep love for our people we seek the removal of Pula and the rise of honest governance and transformative leadership that truly serves the public good.”
KHJ News sent questions and made calls to a cell phone listed on the FaceBook page however there has been no response. We understand that members of the group responsible for the recall effort are handing out petitions to collect signatures from voters. The petition refers to the recall provision in the American Samoa Code Annotated 4.0108 and specifies that only registered voters can sign it. ASCA 4.0108 states:
(a) Governors of American Samoa may be removed from office by a referendum election in which at least 2/3 of the number of persons voting for Governor in the last preceding general election at which a Governor was elected, vote in favor of recall and in which those so voting constitute a majority of all those participating in the referendum election.
(b) The referendum election shall be initiated by the Legislature following:
(1) a 2/3, or more, vote of the members of each house of the Legislature in favor of a referendum; or
(2) a petition for the referendum to the Legislature by qualified electors equal in number to at least 50 percent of the whole number of votes cast for Governor at the last general election at which a Governor was elected preceding the filing of the petition.
The recall petition also cites ASCA 4.0106 (b) which states: “In case of permanent vacancy in the office of Governor, arising by reason of the death, resignation, removal by recall, removal by impeachment, permanent disability of the Governor or the death, resignation, or permanent disability of the Governor-elect or for any other reason, the Lieutenant Governor or Lieutenant Governor-elect shall become the Governor, to hold office for the unexpired term and until he or his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified at the next regular election for Governor.”
