Alataua House Representative Savali Talavou Ale was today re-elected as Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives.
Talanei News reported the vote for the longest-serving lawmaker in the history of the Fono was unanimous, with all 19 of 20 voting representatives endorsing him as leader of the House.
The only faipule who was absent today was Alumamalu Filoali’i who is off island.
There was no other nominee for the Speaker’s seat. Rep Fetu Fetui nominated Savali and Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen seconded.
The election was conducted by Chief Clerk of the House Vaiaitu Mulinuu Maluia who was later re-elected by unanimous vote to the same position.
He was also the only nominee and was proposed by Ituau Representative Manumaua Wayne Wilson, with Ituau freshman faipule Tautoloitua Sauasetoa Ho Ching seconding the nomination.
For the position of Sgt at Arms, the only nominee was Line Olo who was elected by unanimous vote.
The election of officers followed the swearing-in of all 20 members present, by Chief Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr.
Rev Faalili Otineru of the Fagalii CCCAS gave an inspirational sermon about the importance of preparations for any task and used the story of Tuna and Fata and how they won the battle between Samoa and Tonga through strategizing and preparation.
He urged the lawmakers to always seek God in their decision-making and not rely on their own knowledge or power.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, who now begins his 20th term in the House of Representatives thanked the members for their trust and confidence in him and asked for their cooperation and support in the new legislature. He also thanked all the wives, parents, and family members who witnessed the swearing-in.
Tomorrow the new House members will begin an orientation before the 38th legislature convenes next Monday.
