19 Oct 2018

Swains election postponed until end of the month

2:12 pm on 19 October 2018

The meeting of Swains Islanders to select their member of the House of Representatives for the next two years has been postponed to October 30.

Swains Island.

Swains Island. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Originally a meeting of people with swains ancestry eligible to vote, was scheduled for Saturday, October 27th to select a House Representative.

However the meeting has now been moved to October 30th.

The Election Office says this is out of consideration of Swains islanders whose Sabbath falls on Saturday.

The constitution provides that adult permanent residents of Swains island who are United States nationals may elect at an open meeting a delegate to the House of Representatives.

House Representative for American Samoa's Swains Island, Alex Jennings.

House Representative for American Samoa's Swains Island, Alex Jennings. Photo: supplied / Fili Sagapolutele

That person has the privileges of a member of the House except the right to vote.

The incumbent is Su'a Alexander Jennings who has served as the Swains faipule for six terms.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs