Eight challengers are hoping to unseat incumbent Congressman Faleomavaega Eni in this year’s crowded Congressional race, while two local House incumbents are running unopposed, according to the list of registered candidates released by the Election Office.

The deadline for candidates to file papers for the Nov. 4 general election was 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 2 and Chief Election Officer Tuaolo M. Fruean issued a notice just after 6p.m. Tuesday evening, announcing the individuals who are eligible to qualify as candidates for this year’s election.

Pursuant to local law, Tuaolo says that qualified electors may challenge the right of candidates to run for public office; however, the challenge should be received by the Election Office no later than 4:30p.m. Sept. 5 (Friday).

He said the challenge shall be in writing, setting forth the grounds upon which it is based and signed by the person making the challenge. Upon the expiration of the deadline, or the determination of any challenges, candidates shall be certified and ballots shall be printed.

CONGRESSIONAL RACE

According to the Election Office list, there are nine candidates for the Congressional race, including Faleomavaega who is seeking a 14th consecutive term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where terms are for two years.

There has been much speculation as to whether or not Faleomavaega, a Democrat and Ranking Member of the House subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, would seek re-election after he was medivaced to Honolulu last October for an undisclosed illness.

Faleomavaega had not made an official announcement that he was seeking reelection in advance, although Samoa News was told that his nomination papers were picked up last month from the Election Office.

In addition to Faleomavaega, other Congressional candidates are: Aumua Amata, Mapu J. Jamias, Mark Ude, Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman, Rosie Fualaau Tago Lancaster, Togiola Tulafono, Tua’au Kereti Matautia Jr., and Tuika Tuika.

While Aumua, Jamias, Suitonu-Chapman, Lancaster, Togiola and Tua’au had previously announced their candidacy, Ude and Tuika had not done so.

Ude is a local attorney who has thrown his hat into the ring for the first time, and Tuika has been involved in local elections over the years, as a candidate for governor in the 2008 election and a candidate for Lt. Governor in the 2012 election. He has also previously run in the Congressional race. Tuika has also served in the local House and worked for ASG for many years.

LOCAL HOUSE RACE

Reps. Vailoata Eteuati Amituana’i for Representative District #7 (Utulei, Fagaalu and Gataivai) and Tu’umolimoli S. Moliga for Representative District # 10 (Satala, Atu’u and Leloaloa) are both running unopposed, which means that they are the only lawmakers currently seeking re-election who are assured to return in January during the new 34th Legislature.

For this year’s election, 46 candidates — including six women — are vying for the 20 elected seats in the local House of Representatives. There are 21 House members, including the non-voting Swains Island delegate, who is decided by Swains Islanders in an “open meeting” in accordance with local law.

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, who is currently the longest serving member of the Fono, is faced with two challengers this year. 

Click attachment to download a complete list of candidates.