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Manu'a District No. 2 and Tualatai select their senators

Two more senators were selected over the weekend by their county councils and traditional leaders during their respective meetings. One of those newly selected is Malemo Tausaga, the director of ASG’s Office of Budget and Planning. He is also chairman of the board of directors for the Development Bank of American Samoa.

MANUA DISTRICT NO. 2

Traditional leaders of Manu’a District #2, comprising Ofu, Olosega and Sili counties, convened their meeting last Friday on Olosega island and they agreed for Malemo to be their next senator. The seat is currently held by Sen. Velega Savali Jr. of Ofu, a former ASG Treasurer, and current Senate Government Operations Committee chairman.

In accordance with traditional county protocol, it is now the turn of Olosega and Sili to hold the seat. Reports received by Samoa News from Manu’a indicate that the final decision didn’t come easily.  Some eyewitnesses at the meeting stated that Olosega’s consensus was for Malemo, while Sili came in with their nomination of former House Vice Speaker Laolagi F.S. Vaeao.

When asked for comments, Malemo confirmed to Samoa News over the weekend that he was in fact the one selected as the next senator and the certification papers have been signed by the “fa’alupega”, or county clerk, to be transmitted to the Office of Samoan Affairs.

TUALATAI COUNTY

Tualatai, composed of the villages of Futiga, Taputimu and Vailoatai, has been represented by sitting Sen. Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen for some eight years and the county council and leaders met recently for their next senator.  Tulifua is the current Senate President Pro-Temp (the vice president of the Senate) and chairs the Senate Rules Committee.

Reports received by Samoa News state that the final decision was for Tuiasina Siolosega Esera to be the senator for the county for the next four years. Reports also said that it was not a difficult selection process.

When contacted for comments, Tuiasina confirmed that he was selected and said he is honored to be given this privilege to represent Tualatai in the Senate.

Samoa News reporters Ausage Fausia and Fili Sagapolutele contributed to this report.