News

American Samoa call for autonomy referendum, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

A member of the US Congress from American Samoa, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, believes it is time to call for an autonomy referendum. In the upcoming constitutional convention, American Samoa will discuss autonomy, a very divisive issue in the country, and a possible referendum would show the people's opinion on this.

Nomination papers for American Samoa elections due next month, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the Chief Election Office's announcement about nomination papers. Candidates presenting themselves in the November general elections will be able to pick up nomination papers in the Election Office on July 13. In November, American Samoa will elect Delegate to the U.S. House and members of the House of Representatives.

Two confirmed candidates so far for American Samoa election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the limited interest in this year's elections in American Samoa. Elections for the House of Representatives in American Samoa and the US Congress will be held on November 2nd. Only two candidates registered so far for the 20-seats House of Representatives (September 1st is the final deadline).

American Samoa's Chief Election Officer announces general election date, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the announcement of the American Samoa's Chief Election Officer. The Chief Election Officer announced the date for the territory general elections (November 2). This is a very important date for the country: voters will elect the delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, the 20-seat American Samoa House of Representatives and whether or not to revise the Constitution with the amendments approved by the Constitutional Convention. Candidates will able to register until September 1st.

Prospective lawmakers in American Samoa revealed, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the publication of the official list of candidates for the 2010 elections in American Samoa. Three candidates will be running for the Congressional seat, while 44 people are running for the 20-seats House of Representatives. Among these candidates, three women are running.

Early voting in American Samoa to start today, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the beginning of early voting in American Samoa. All voters who will not be in the country on November 2 because of military commitments, conferences, medical treatment or holidays are allowed to vote. Election officials are urging all people who will leave the island to vote early, ad voting abroad is not allowed.

American Samoans to vote for constitution amendments in one ballot, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the Election Office decision to include all amendments for the constitution in one ballot paper. The people of American Samoa will have to vote on more than one hundred amendments approved during the 2010 Constitutional Convention. Officials are expecting many complaints, as people will not be able to approve one amendment and disapprove another.

Ballot boxes head to American Samoa’s islands for tomorrow’s election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the preparations for the November 2 general elections in American Samoa. The Chief Election Officer Soliai Tuipine stated that everything is ready for the poll. Voters will be able to cast their ballots in 44 polling stations throughout the country, which will be open for 12 hours (unlike in the past).

American Samoa votes, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the voting operations in American Samoa. Voters will cast their ballots to elect local House of Representatives (18 of the 21 members), as well as their representative in the United States Congress. Voters will also be asked to vote in a constitutional referendum with several proposals, the most controversial would give the territory the power to "stop the enforcement of any US law that is detrimental to American Samoa’s economy and welfare of its people".

American Samoa releases preliminary election results, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the preliminary results for the elections in American Samoa. The incumbent delegate Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin served in the US Congress for 11 terms, becoming the longest-serving member, but a 12th term is not assured. For the constitutional referendum the no votes were 517 while the yes votes 336.

American Samoans choose Faleomavaega to return to US Congress, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports the final results for the elections in American Samoa. Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has been re-elected as American Samoa’s delegate to US Congress, receiving 6176 votes (his closest opponent received 4438 votes). In the referendum, the changes to the constitutions were rejected by 7,410 voters against 3,149 in favor.

American Samoa’s unseated vice speaker wants a recount, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the request for a recount of the votes of last week's general election in American Samoa. Former vice speaker of the House of Representatives, Laolagi Savali Vaeao, filed a request for a recount to the Election Office: he was defeated by just three votes.

All but one of American Samoa’s general election results certified, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting in American Samoa. All results of the general elections have been certified except for one, for the House of Representative race for Tualatai district.

American Samoa election compaint alleges fraud, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the statement of Lopa Seti regarding the elections in American Samoa. According to Mr Seti, who was defeated in the District of Tuala-tai, his opponent, Bill Satele, practiced election fraud. The latter candidate won the election by only 300 votes. According to Lopa Seti his opponent delivered refrigerators to various families just before the elections.

American Samoa’s Chief Election Officer certifies general election results, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the final results of the general elections in American Samoa. On December 3, the Chief Electoral Officer certified the results of the November 2 elections. The High Court dismissed a complaint filed by challenger Lopa Seti, against incumbent Galumalemana Bill Satale. The winners will be sworn into office on January 4, 2011, for a two year term.