Chief Election Officer (CEO), Tuaolo Manaia Fruean has issued a certified list of candidates for District No. 15 for the House of Representatives. They are Lucia Su’a Bartley, Larry Simou Sanitoa, Leomiti Faitama’i Leomiti and Vui Florence Tuaumu Saulo.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Tuaolo pointed out the Appellate Division of the High Court has rendered its final decision, therefore the said individuals are hereby entitled as candidates.

The order issued on Monday was signed by Associate Justice John L Ward, Chief Justice Michael Kruse and Associate Judges Mamea Sala Jr and Fa’amausili Pomele. Among its decisions, the court ratified the CEO’s ruling that Vui was eligible to run as a candidate for Tualauta.

Tuaolo also pointed out to the four Tualauta candidates that pursuant to local statute, they are reminded that samples of ballots are still available for viewing by the candidates or their designated representatives at the election office. The deadline for reviewing the sample ballots was yesterday afternoon.

In the meantime, Richard DeSaulles, attorney for Bartley, noted in a statement to Samoa News that “my client is disappointed in the Court's ruling but will respect the Court's decision.”

He added, “Unfortunately, individuals who utilize false birth documents to obtain U.S. Passports have been a problem plaguing our Territory for many years.

“Our hope was that the Chief Election Officer would be held to a higher duty to investigate challenges such as the one lodged by Ms.Bartley, which was denied the very same day it was presented to the Chief Elections Officer.”

DeSaulles pointed out that to date, Bartley has discovered only inconsistencies with respect to Vui's place of birth, and despite their requests, Vui did not provide any copy of her American Samoa birth certificate to put this debate to rest.

He said, “As suggested by the Court, if our current inquiries regarding Ms. Saulo to the various public agencies turn up any evidence of misconduct, my client will follow the direction of the Court and turn any such evidence over to the appropriate federal authorities.”

DeSaulles also thanked on behalf of his client the “many members of the public who have expressed support for my client and her pursuit of the truth.”

In a statement issued by Vui, she thanked God for his wisdom and guidance throughout this election challenge process, and believes that it was his love and mercy that allowed for the outcome yesterday.

“I would also like to thank the voters of Tualauta District for their patience and understanding and their support for me while we pursued this matter in court. I hope that with the court’s decision… we can put all doubt to rest and finally concentrate on the upcoming elections.”

She noted, “To my family, thank you for your unconditional love and support despite the personal nature of the challenge against me.”

Vui further explained that she has maintained from the start the challenge by Mrs. Bartley had no basis in law or fact. “I complied with the requirements of our election laws and both the Chief Election Officer and the Court have confirmed that.

“I hope that today’s ruling will do away with any doubt of my nationality and my eligibility to hold public office,” she said.

Vui also said that it’s time for her to concentrate on the upcoming elections, especially on the issues that are important to the Tualauta District.

“Any further issues relating to this challenge will have to wait until after the elections. I will issue a complete statement when the time is right,” she added, and said, “I wish the people of American Samoa a safe and peaceful election_…”