Second by-election confirmed as Sāmoa MP quits Parliament to join ruling FAST party

Independent MP Motuopuaa Seve Henny Papalii has resigned from Sāmoa’s Legislative Assembly, prompting a by-election in the Vaisigano II electorate as he prepares to contest the seat under the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Sāmoa ua Tasi (FAST) party banner.

Motuopuaa announced his resignation in Parliament on 20 January, formally ending his tenure as an independent MP. The House accepted the resignation and declared the seat vacant.

Addressing Parliament, Motuopuaa said his decision reflected the wishes of his constituency and his intention to align himself with the governing party.

He said that under electoral law, standing as a FAST candidate required him to resign and seek a renewed mandate from voters.

Motuopuaa was first elected as the independent MP for Vaisigano II in the general election held on 29 August 2025, one of only six independents to secure seats at the time.

His resignation follows a ceremony held on 17 January, where village representatives and constituents formally endorsed his move to join FAST.

(L-R) Motuopuaa Henny Papalii and family matai, Asiata Atinae Vaai, at the official 'handing over' and welcoming ceremony with the FAST party on 17 January. Photo/Facebook

Talking chiefs from the district later conveyed their support for the decision to the party’s leadership.

Former candidates Sua Lesa Faavae and Tagaloa Leilua Tupou, who previously contested the Vaisigano II seat against Motuopuaa, were also present at the ceremony and have since publicly backed his decision to join the governing party.

FAST party chairman and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt acknowledged the resignation in Parliament, saying MPs who change political allegiance should seek a fresh mandate from voters.

Watch the resignation of the Vaisigano II MP in Parliament on 20 January (Sāmoan):

He told the House that Motuopuaa’s constituency had expressed support for the move and said returning to the polls upheld principles of fairness, transparency, and democratic accountability.

The resignation marks the second confirmed by-election in recent months, as Sāmoa continues to navigate a period of political adjustment following shifts in parliamentary alignment.

Under Sāmoa’s Electoral Act, a by-election is required when a sitting MP resigns from Parliament. The Electoral Commission of Sāmoa is expected to announce the timetable for nominations and polling in the coming weeks.

A public notice dated 21 January confirmed the vacancy in the Vaisigano II seat, although the date of the by-election has yet to be announced.