12 Jan 2019

New senate selection disputed in American Samoa

10:19 am on 12 January 2019

Traditional leaders of Ta'u and Faleasao chief councils of the Manu'a island group in American Samoa are disputing the the admission of High Talking Chief, Logoai Siaki Logoai, as the new senator for their Manu'a District Number 1.

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Photo: 123rf

The leaders allege that the selection of the retired judge was not in accordance with the constitution and the law, and are calling on Senate President, Gaoteote Tofau Palaie to deny his admission.

The Senate was informed, via a certification document, that the traditional leaders of Manu'a District Number 1 had selected Soloai and he is scheduled to be sworn-in on Monday.

But a subsequent letter from the leaders of the Ta'u county council, stated there was never a county council meeting to select him.

Additionally Ta'u leaders said they were never informed of any meeting for the district for the selection process, and they say they are not aware of how Logoai was selected.

Ta'u traditional leaders said they are praying that Gaoteote and the Senate do not accept Logoai's selection for the seat, which became vacant following the passing last October of the late senator Galeai Tu'ufuli.