1 Mar 2016

American Samoans to have say on Clinton vs Sanders

7:56 pm on 1 March 2016

The American Samoa Democratic Party is hoping for a big turn out tomorrow when members will vote for their preferred presidential candidate.

Local Democrats will choose between former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, US Senator, Bernie Sanders, or California businessman Roque 'Rocky' De la Fuentes.

In 2008, more than 200 voters participated in the territory's Democratic caucus, with Hillary Clinton winning more votes than Barack Obama.

Our correspondent, Fili Sagapolutele, said the party was expecting more voters this year, and was especially encouraging university students to sign up to vote on the day.

"The important thing about this vote in this level is that this is the only time American Samoa, and the other territories, have a say in the selection of the United States president, because they don't vote in the national elections."

Fili Sagapolutele said American Samoa will send 11 delegates to vote in the Democratic Party convention in July, with four of those having already pledged to support Hillary Clinton.

The Republicans will hold their public caucus on March 22.