Incumbents win in American Samoa

AMERICAN SAMOA – In American Samoa, the incumbent team of Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and his Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga won yesterday’s general election, according to unofficial results from the Election Office.

Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Peleti Mauga have won with 7,235 votes or 60.2 per cent of ballots cast.

The challengers Faoa Aitofele Sunia and Larry Sanitoa received 4,305 votes or 35.8 per cent while the team of Tuika Tuika and Salanoa Iuni Maeva obtained 484 votes or four per cent.

In the congressional race, Aumua Amata Radewagen won by an overwhelming margin, garnering 8,923 votes or 75.4 per cent, Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin-Finau received 1,581 votes or 13.4 per cent, Paepaetele Mapu Jamias polled 978 or 8.3per cent, Meleagi Suitonu Chapman got 181 votes or 1.5 per cent and Timothy Jones polled 171 votes or 1.4 per cent.

For the House of Representatives elections there are at least six new faipule entering the Fono next year.

Kitara Vaiau defeated incumbent Talaimatai Elisara Sua in Saole.

Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi is ahead by one point over incumbent Maugaoalii Le’apai Sipa Anoa’i, Sataua Dr Mataese Samuelu will enter the House with current faipule Manumaua Wayne Wilson after defeating the second incumbent for Ituau, Vaiaitu Mulinuu Filo Maluia.

A new representative has been elected in Leone. Fagaoatua Dorian Salave’a has defeated incumbent Puletu Koko.

There’s also a new representative for Tuala-uta. The youngest candidate Samuel Ioka Ale Meleisea topped the field, and will be joining incumbent, Vui Florence Saulo.

A new representative was elected in Leasina. Incumbent Atalina Asifoa was defeated by Gafatasi Afalava.

- RNZI