8 Oct 2014

American Samoa candidate is free to stand for election

9:20 pm on 8 October 2014

A court in American Samoa has upheld a decision by the chief election officer, Tuaolo Fruean on the eligibility of a female candidate in next month's election.

Lucia Bartley, who is a candidate for the Tualauta District seat in the House of Representative race has challenged the authenticity of the incumbent Vui Florence Saulo's birth certificate.

Ms Bartley alleges Vui was born in neighbouring Samoa, and so is ineligible to stand.

She made the same accusation in the last election.

It was dismissed on that occasion and this year the High Court has upheld Tuaolo Fruean's decision that Vui is a U.S. national and can legitimately seek another term.