Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A bill permitting the impeachment of a sitting Governor or Lieutenant Governor was introduced in the Senate yesterday morning.

The Senate chamber was filled with students from Tafuna High School, who attended to observe the workings of the Legislative branch of the American Samoa Government (ASG).

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean requested that Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono, the sponsor of the bill, explain its purpose in simple terms in both Samoan and English for the benefit of the visiting students.

“Ladies and gentlemen of Tafuna High School, this bill seeks to permit the impeachment of a sitting Governor or Lieutenant Governor,” Togiola began. “The process of appointing the Governor and Lieutenant Governor reflects the will of the people through your vote.

“Once our country elects the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to lead the government, the winning candidates become our representatives in those offices. However, this bill allows for the removal of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor before the end of their four-year term, as appointed by the people.”

The former governor elaborated that this would occur if the Governor or Lieutenant Governor violated the laws of the Territory, committed felonies, or engaged in other transgressions or violations, including misdemeanors. In such cases, the House of Representatives could bring forward Articles of Impeachment.

Togiola further explained that if the House of Representatives, by a two-thirds majority vote, decides to impeach either the Governor or Lieutenant Governor, a trial would follow. The Articles of Impeachment would then be sent to the Senate, which would conduct the trial.

“The law provides that the Chief Justice will preside over the trial,” Senator Togiola revealed. “The Chief Justice of the High Court will take the seat currently occupied by the Senate President and oversee the impeachment trial process.

“The Senate will prosecute the case. The Senate President will appoint a Prosecutor and assistants to present evidence supporting why the Governor or Lieutenant Governor (whichever is charged) should be impeached.

“If the case is successful and the Senate votes by a two-thirds majority — 12 votes in favor — the decision will result in the impeachment and removal of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor from office before the completion of their four-year term.

Senator Togiola emphasized that this was the core of the proposed bill and extended an invitation to the students to attend a public hearing on the matter, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. this Friday. He explained that anyone wishing to testify on any aspect of the bill could register their names with the Senate secretary or submit written testimonies to be read during the hearing.

By amending the American Samoa Code Annotated, the proposed bill aims to ensure the integrity and accountability of public officials by providing precise and comprehensive language in the provisions governing impeachment, thereby upholding public trust and maintaining the rule of law.

"This amendment to add language to the impeachment statutes will safeguard the dignity and honor of our leadership and reinforce the foundational values of mutual respect, service, and integrity. A robust  impeachment law reflects a government's commitment to ethical leadership, justice, and the principles of good governance, reinforcing public confidence in the democratic process," the bill's Preamble concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson, who is currently off-island due to health issues, Vice Chairman Senator Tuialu'ulu'u Vaimili Tuialu'ulu'u expressed his gratitude and joy at seeing the future leaders of the Territory taking an active interest in the workings of the Legislature.

Tuialu'ulu'u, a former teacher, shared that he often encouraged his students to familiarize themselves with and learn as much as possible about the operations of the three branches of government.

He reminded the students that they are the leaders of tomorrow and urged them to excel in their chosen fields of study, emphasizing that the future of American Samoa rests in their hands.