There were no challenges filed against any of the candidates on the Election Office list of certified candidates, released last Friday, by the 4:30 pm deadline yesterday.
Election Commissioner Dr. Uiagalelei Lealofi confirmed, last night, that all those who filed nominating petitions by the September 1st closing date will have their names placed on the ballot for the November 8th general elections.
Aumua Amata is running unopposed in the congressional race, and five incumbent faipule are not facing any opponents in the local House of Representatives election.
The unopposed Representatives are: Luaitaua Gene Pan,
Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, Vailoata Eteuati Amituanai,
Vesiai Poyer Samuelu and Ape Mike Asifoa.
Local absentee voting begins today for those traveling and will not be able to cast ballots in person on November 8th, as well as those voting from off island.
The latter category includes students, employees of ASG and the federal government and those in the military and their dependents.
In our initial report from Friday, regarding the list of candidates, KHJ News reported that the only incumbent faipule who’s is not seeking re-election is Faimealelei Anthony Allen in Maoputasi District #5.
This was a grave error for which we sincerely apologize to Rep. Faimealelei and Maoputasi District #5.
In fact, the sole incumbent member of the House who is not running in the next general elections is Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Moliga in Maoputasi District #4.
