A total of 53 people are so far considering running for the American Samoa House of Representatives in November.
20 of the 21 seats in the House will be up for grabs.
The chief election officer, Soliai Fuimaono, says 16 petitions have been filed with the necessary signatures and are now being verified by his staff.
The district with the most intending candidates is Tuala-uta where 8 people are preparing to contest the 2 seats.
At the last election in 2010 the incumbents Faipule Larry Sanitoa and Tapumanaia Galu Satele Jr. were returned unopposed.
In the congressional race five candidates are preparing to stand - Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, Aumua Amata, Rosie Lancaster, Kereti Matautia and Fatumalala Atualevao Al Shehri.
