“Do not see this as betrayal”: Sāmoa MP quits HRPP, joins FAST

An opposition Member of Parliament in Sāmoa has resigned from the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and plans to recontest his seat under the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Sāmoa ua Tasi (FAST) party in a move that could strengthen the government’s numbers in the Legislative Assembly.

Vaimauga III MP Taioali’iseu Fiti Aimaasu confirmed on Thursday that he is resigning from both Parliament and the HRPP and plans to recontest in the by-election under the ruling party banner.

In a video message to his constituents, Taioali’iseu said he made his decision after months of consulting with people in the district, visiting villages, and discussions with his family.

Taioali’iseu said the conversations showed there is strong support for the current FAST government in the district.

“This has been the hardest decision of my political life,” he said.

Taioali’iseu also acknowledged that he did not receive the majority of voters' support in the last election, saying the issue had weighed heavily on him.

Official results of the 2025 General Elections for Vaimauga III. Photo/Sāmoa Office of the Electoral Commissioner

“In the last general election, 63 per cent of Vaimauga III did not vote for me,” he said. “In a democracy, leadership must rest on the confidence of the majority.”

Taioali’iseu said returning the seat to voters would allow the constituency to decide clearly who should represent them in Parliament. “Going back to the polls is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of respect for the democratic process.”

A first-time parliamentarian, Taioali’iseu said recent developments within HRPP, including a request that he and other district co-chairs step down from leadership roles in the Fono Fa’avae or District Development Programme offices, had raised concerns about his ability to advocate effectively for the constituency.

Watch (Sāmoan) PM Laaulialemalietoa announce the Vaimauga III MP's decision to switch parties:

“It was not about position or title. It was about responsibility to my constituents and to the voice they entrusted to me,” he said.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt announced the resignation on Wednesday evening, saying the MP had discussed the possibility of leaving HRPP with him about two months earlier.

Laaulialemalietoa said the Speaker is expected to officially declare the Vaimauga III seat vacant, thereby starting the by-election process.

In Sāmoa’s 51-seat Parliament, FAST currently holds 32 seats after winning the recent Vaisigano II by-election. HRPP has 14 seats, while five are held by independents.

Under Sāmoan law, once a seat is declared vacant, the Electoral Commissioner will issue a writ setting the schedule for nominations, campaigning, and polling day.

Addressing HRPP supporters, Taioali’iseu sought understanding. “Do not see this as betrayal. See it as a man wrestling with his conscience and choosing what he believes is right for his people.”

"Do not see this as betrayal" - Taioali'iseu is asking HRPP supporters for understanding. Photo/Supplied

Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the decision was ultimately Taioali’iseu’s to make.

“No one knew what the MP was going to do,” he said. “But it does happen… people who use HRPP to get into parliament. He’s made his own choice. We won’t stop him.”

Sāmoa’s anti-party-hopping rules require MPs who leave the party they were elected with to give up their seat and run again in a by-election.

Tuilaepa said HRPP will have a candidate in the by-election. “Many people wanted to run last time [in the general elections], but we advised them to take a supporting role instead. Now we have a candidate who has come in and said they want to contest the by-election under HRPP.”

In his message to constituents, Taioali’iseu said his choice allows Vaimauga III to determine its own future.

“If you believe I am still worthy, I will continue to serve with renewed humility,” he said. “If you choose someone else, I will accept that decision with grace and respect.”

The next parliamentary sitting is scheduled for 10 March.