22 Nov 2012

Losing American Samoa candidates accept defeat

2:11 pm on 22 November 2012

The defeated candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in American Samoa, Faoa Aitofele Sunia and Taufete'e John Faumuina, have told supporters they must put the elections behind them and look ahead to a new tomorrow.

The two were in high spirits and cracked jokes after it became clear early in the ballot counting that they had lost.

Faoa, the present lieutenant governor, says he's happy and relieved the election is over.

He says he didn't go into the election to come second but when he saw the early results he was prepared.

"I think I am also thankful and joyful tonight that it ended peacefully and there was no shoutings, no name callings, no finger pointings like in the old, old days."