Fialupe Felila Fiaui Lutu is an American Samoan civil servant and politician. On October 24, 2017, Lutu was elected to the American Samoa House of Representatives in a special election for the open District No. 5, Sua #1 seat.[1][2][3] Prior to her election, Lutu served as the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives for more than 10 years.[2]
Fialupe Felila Fiaui Lutu | |
|---|---|
| Member of the American Samoa House of Representatives from the 5th district | |
| In office 2018–2019 | |
Lutu previously served as a deputy Secretary of the American Samoa Senate.[2] She then became Chief Clerk of the American Samoa House of Representatives for more than 10 years.[2][3] She retired as chief clerk in 2017 upon her election to the House of Representatives.[2]
In 2017, incumbent American Samoa Rep. Puleleiite Liamatua Jr. resigned from his seat, representing District No. 5, Sua #1, to become CEO of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA).[3][4] A special election was announced to fill the vacancy in Liamatua's open seat.[4] The winner would serve the remainder of Liamatua's unexpired term, which ends on January 3, 2019.[3]
Lutu announced her candidacy for the open House of Representatives District No. 5, Sua #1 seat.[2][4] At the time, Lutu told KHJ News that she had previously been approached to run for the seat and that she had discussed a potential campaign with her children.[2] District No 5, Sua #1 includes the villages of Amaua, Alega, Avaio, Auto, Faga'itua, Lauli'i, Aumi, and Tafananai in Eastern District.[2] Five other candidates also entered the race; Lutu was the only female candidate.[4]
Fialupe Felila Fiaui Lutu won the Sua #1 special election to the House of Representatives on October 24, 2017, by defeating five other candidates for the seat.[1] A total of 357 votes were cast in the special election.[1] Lutu received 94 votes, or 26%, to win election to the House.[1] Her closest opponent, Tuifagalilo Vele, placed second with 72 votes, or 20%, while Tuialofi Faalae Lauatuaa Tunupopo came in third place with 64 votes, or 18%.[1] Rounding out the results were Laloniu P. Maloa, who came in fourth with 57 votes, or 16%; Uele Fale S Uele, who garnered 50 votes, or 14%; and Ketesemane Meaole, who received 20 votes, or 6%, to place sixth in the election.[1][2][3] Results were certified on October 31, 2017.[1][3]
During her term, Lutu was one of only two women serving in the American Samoa House of Representatives, the other being Representative Vui Florence Saulo, who represents Tuala-uta.[2]
Lutu ran for reelection in 2018, but lost to Gene Luaitaua Pan.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Woman tops the polls in special election for Sua #1". Talanei. 2017-10-24. Archived from the original on 2017-11-05. Retrieved 2017-11-05.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Chief Clerk of the House moves into chamber". Talanei. 2017-10-25. Archived from the original on 2017-11-05. Retrieved 2017-11-05.
- ^ a b c d e f Sagapolutele, Fili (2017-10-25). "Update: Fialupe Felila Fiaui Lutu unofficial winner in District #5". Samoa News. Archived from the original on 2017-11-05. Retrieved 2017-11-05.
- ^ a b c d "Six candidates eye House seat for Sua". Talanei. 2017-09-25. Archived from the original on 2017-11-05. Retrieved 2017-11-05.
- ^ Sagapolutele, Fili (2018-11-07). "Only one woman elected to American Samoa House this year". Samoa News. Retrieved 2023-05-22.