Savali Talavou Ale Photo: Monica Miller
Savali Talavou Ale, Alataua House Representative, has been re-elected as Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives.
The vote for the longest-serving lawmaker in the history of the Fono was a unanimous vote, with 19 of 20 voting representatives endorsing him as leader of the House.
The only representative who was absent was Alumamalu Filoialii who is off-island.
There was no other nominee for the speaker's seat.
Representative Fetu Fetui nominated Savali and Representative Faimelalelei Anthony Allen seconded.
The election was conducted by Chief Clerk of the House Vaiaitu Mulinuu Maluia who was later re-elected by unanimous vote for another term.
He was also the only nominee.
For the position of Sergeant 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.
Tuiasina Dr Salamo Laumoli Photo: Monica Miller
Speaker Savali, 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.
A new Senator for Tuala Tai county was also sworn in. He is Tuiasina Salamo Laumoli a former Director of Health and former Chief Dentist at the LBJ Hospital.
The 38th Legislature officially begins on Monday, January 9.