Eni/Amata race for Congress is close
November 08, 2006

Faleomavega re-elected for 10th term in office after hard fought race

By Fili Sagapolutele and La Poasa

Samoa News Reporters

Incumbent Congressman Faleomavaega Eni is heading back to Washington D.C. for an unprecedented 10th two-year term in office after being re-elected during yesterday's general election.

But challenger Amata Aumua gave him a good race as she swept several precincts in particular Manu'a where she dominated the polling stations.

"I don't know what seems to be the problem in Manu'a in order to get a better turn out," said Faleomavaega. "Despite the lack of support, it will not lessen my efforts in helping Manu'a. For the sake of all my Manu'a supporters I will continue to do all I can to help Manu'a."

After his recent visit to Manu'a, the congressman said that the island group remains isolated. "Manu'a is not getting the proper care. I am disappointed with leaders from Manu'a for not doing enough for Manu'a. I don't see their initiatives to get the problems solved in Manu'a. Why does it have to be only me?."

"Some Manu'a leaders don't support me but I expect better initiatives from them, not just a bunch of hot air but no results," he said.

Of the total 11,033 votes counted in the congressional race, Faleomavaega received 5,195 votes, Amata was very close behind with 4,493 votes and Muavaefaatasi Ae Ae Jr., came in with 1,345 votes.

In the 2004 election, where a total of 11,502 votes were counted, Faleomavaega received 6,040 votes or 52.5% while Amata received 5,462 votes or 47.5%.

Both Amata and Muavaefa'atasi said they congratulate Faleomavaega for his victory and wish him the best of luck.

Amata told Samoa News last night that she is "very thankful to Tutuila, Manu'a and Swains Island for their tremendous support" for her candidacy. She also thanked Muavaefa'atasi for bringing up important issues this election year.

She said the election results have shown that people do want change, and those people are continuing to say this by their vote.

"It's very amazing," said Amata, adding that she is humbled and very grateful to the voters who have shown their support.

Muavaefa'atasi too is thankful to the voters, his family, and also congratulated Amata for a good fight.

He advises Faleomavaega and those who have won their respective districts in the House "to serve people and do what is right always."

"I thank everyone who supported me and the voters for turning out to the polls," he said. "I'm also thankful to my family for their support."

By 9:30 p.m. last night, Faleomavaega's camp in Leone was already aware of the election outcome. The incumbent then addressed his committee by thanking them for their continued support and said he looks forward to the next two years to work on issues benefiting the territory.

Faleomavaega believes this year's election went well.

"All in all, I think this is democracy at its best and I will do all my best in the next coming two years for American Samoa," he told Samoa News last night. "There are some serious issues that need to be resolved for American Samoa and of course I will be working closely with the governor, the Fono leadership and the Fono on these issues."

Faleomavaega believes the public is getting more and more acquainted with the idea that "we as leaders have differences of opinion but we still are able to work together."

"It's good democracy that there is a differences of opinions but we are all respectful of each other's opinion," he said.

One of the main issues that Faleomavaega said will be addressed this month is the tax credit extension for the two canneries.

"It's a done deal," he said.

To Aumua and Muavaefa'atasi, "I wish them the best. They both put their best efforts forward and I credit them for their sincere efforts in this election year to have our people decide their next representatives to the U.S House," he said. "And most of all I thank our people for giving me another chance to serve them in Washington."