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IT’S OFFICIAL: Election results certified by Chief Election Officer

fili@samoanews.com

With no challenges filed, Chief Election Officer Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei has certified the results of the 2016 general election, with incumbent team of Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga re-elected for another four-year term.

Additionally, incumbent Congresswoman Aumua Amata is also reelected — for a second consecutive two-year term as American Samoa’s Delegate to the US House of Representatives.

Under local law, there is a seven-day waiting period before election results are certified. During this period a complaint — or contest of election — can be filed with the Clerk of the High Court no later than 4:30p.m on the 7th day. If a complaint is made, the Appellate Division of the High Court then hears the case.

The seven-day period ended at 4:30p.m on Tuesday and no complaints were filed with the High Court, which usually closes at 4p.m. but extended its operations for 30 minutes more to wait for any complaints.

Uiagalelei told Samoa News late Tuesday morning that things were very quiet and there were no challenges or issues raised with the Election Office regarding the general election — so far — although there were rumors circulating of a possible challenge.

“Our 2016 general election has been very good and peaceful,” he said. “We want to thank the people of American Samoa for their cooperation during the election process.”

Around 4:30p.m. Tuesday, Uiagalelei released the official results saying that no one contested the Nov. 8th general election results.

GUBERNATORIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL

There is a slight change in the number of total ballots counted on election night, compared to the official results.

In the gubernatorial race, there were two more counted ballots bringing the total votes official result at 12,026 (compared to unofficial results of 12,024 ballots counted) with Lolo and Lemanu team getting one more vote, bringing their official total votes to 7,236 and the other vote went to Faoa and Sanitoa with their official total votes at 4,306. The team of Tuika and Salanoa remained at 484 as their official total votes.

For the Congressional race, the official results show total ballots counted at 11,835 — an increase of one vote from election night. The one vote, went to Aumua, whose total official vote count stands at 8,924. Results for the other candidates remain the same from election night: Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman 181 votes; Paepaetele Mapu S. Jamias 978 votes; Tim Jones 171 votes, and Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin-Finau 1,581 votes.

LOCAL HOUSE RACE

In the local House of Representative race, five incumbents were unseated, including Rep. Maugaoali’i Le’apai Sipa Anoa’i, who lost by one vote to former faipule Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi for the Fagatogo seat in the House. Maugaoali’i received 223 votes and Vailiuama got 224 votes. Besides Maugaoali’i others incumbents unseated are:

•     Rep. Talaimatai Elisara Su’a (District No. 4 Saole);

•     Rep. Vaiaitu Mulinu’u Filo T. Maluia (District No 12 Ituau, which has two seats, the other incumbent Manumaua Wayne Wilson, regained his seat);

•     Rep. Puletu D. Koko (District No. 13 Fofo); and

•     Atalina Asifoa (District 17 Leasina)

Rep. Larry S. Sanitoa didn’t seek another term, as he was a candidate for lieutenant governor, in the gubernatorial team of Faoa and Sanitoa. House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale ran unopposed.

When the new 35th Legislature is sworn in on Jan. 3, 2017, there will be six new House members. Besides Vailiuama, the others are:

•     Kitara Vaiau (District No 4 - Saole);

•     Sataua Dr. Mataese Samuelu (District No. 12 - Ituau);

•     Fagaoatua Dorian T. Salave’a (District No. 13 - Fofo), the current Leone High School principal, who has been on leave for the election;

•     Samuelu Ioka Ale Meleisea (District No. 15 - Tualauta, which has two seats and the other is held by incumbent Vui Florence Saulo, who regained her seat by only six votes)

•     Gafatasi Afalava (District No. 17 - Leasina), a former faipule.