Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Chief Election Officer Uiagalelei Lealofi has determined that four individuals are “eligible to qualify as candidates” for the Sept. 12, 2023, Special Election for Representative District No. 1- Manu’a, with local absentee voting for the special election to start on Wednesday this week

Deadline to submit election petitions for Special Election, for the House district, which comprises Faleasao, Ta’u and Fitiuta was no later than 4:30p.m. on Aug. 3, 2023. As previously reported by Samoa News, five individuals picked up petitions for the special election.

Uiagalelei issued the “Determination of Eligibility of Candidates” notice and publicly released it last Friday, saying that based upon the nomination petitions filed, and other documents on record with the Election Office, he has determined four individuals eligible to qualify as candidates for the Special Election.

And the eligible candidates are: Faauifono Vaitautolu; Leifitele Aliitama Sotoa; Mailo Oge T. Nua and Paepaetele Mapu Jamias, according to the Chief Election Officer.

Election officials had told Samoa News last week that there’s a three-day challenge period for those who wish to challenge any of the candidates. And if there are no challenges, the Chief Election Officer will then certify the candidates.

LOCAL ABSENTEE VOTING

Election Officials said last Friday that local absentee voting for registered voters of District No. 1- Manu'a, who will be traveling off-island and not in the territory during the Special Election, will begin on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. 

Upon the Aug. 9 opening, Absentee Voting will take place at the Election Office from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday, from 7:30 am - 12:00 pm.

As in previous elections, the local absentee voter will need to show proof — the airline ticket and other documents — that the individual will be off island during the Special Election on Sept. 12.

Any questions, call the Election Office at 699-3570.