21 Nov 2012

Polling stations open in American Samoa's gubernatorial election

7:13 am on 21 November 2012

Police in American Samoa's main island of Tutuila escorted early this morning election officials with ballot boxes to polling stations for the special run off race to elect a governor and lieutenant governor.

Chief election officer Soliai Fuimaono gave election officials a final briefing around 3 a.m. followed by a prayer before officials headed to their designated polling stations.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will be closed at 6p.m.

Election officials at five polling stations say a small number of voters have shown up since the polls open and are hoping for more in the afternoon.

Election officials in the Manu'a island group say their polls are expected to close early, around 1p.m. once all registered voters have cast ballots.