17 Sep 2012

Court in American Samoa to hear appeal against election officer's decision

10:17 am on 17 September 2012

The High Court of American Samoa will hear on Tuesday oral arguments by candidate for governor Save Liuato Tuitele and candidate for lieutenant governor Sandra King Young.

The pair are appealing against the chief election officer's decision to deny their challenge of the eligibility of four candidates for governor or lieutenant governor.

Chief Justice Michael Kruse also ordered the Chief Election Officer, to file by tomorrow morning, all election office records pertaining to all candidates being challenged in the petition, and for all for all parties involved to file their briefs before the close of business on Monday.

The challenged candidates are candidates for governor Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga and Dr Salu Hunkin Finau and candidates for lieutenant governor Le'i Sonny Thompson and Taufete'e John Faumuina.

The main point of the challenge is the candidates didn't resign from their government jobs prior to active campaigning.