Motuopuaa resigns, goes to a by-election to join the Government

Apia, SAMOA – 20 January 2026 – One of three Independents elected in the last August general elections, resigned from Parliament this morning and will go to a by-election so he can join the ruling FAST Government.

Motuapuaa Seve Henry Afereti Papalii delivered his verbal resignation after the Speaker wrote to him for an explanation after he was presented by his Vaisigano 2 constituency to the FAST Party in an elaborate ceremony last Saturday morning.

The ceremony included speeches and presentations of fine mats and money to accent the constituency’s support for their MP to join the ruling party for the constituency to maximize benefits from the ruling government’s socio-economic programs.

Speaking in parliament this morning, Motuopuaa acknowledged his constituency’s decision and confirmed with the Speaker that he was following the law to resign from parliament and go to a by-election to be in line with the constituency’s decision.

The Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi also acknowledged the Member’s decision and that of his constituency so that the Member can join as a full member of the party and take part in the party’s full decision making for the benefit of his constituency.

The Prime Minister also confirmed the party’s full support behind him.

Motuopuaa also acknowledged the Speaker and the Members of the House in the few months they had experienced and worked together in the new parliament that is only five months old.

A businessman, Motuopuaa is a first time MP. As he gathered his stuff to leave the parliament floor, he told the members that he hopes to see them sometime soon.

Two parliamentary seats are now vacant and are up for by elections.

First is Safata 2 that the election court declared void last month and Vaisigano 2 with Motuopuaa’s resignation this morning.

During Saturday’s presentation, Motuopuaa was accompanied by the two FAST candidates who were unsuccessful in the Augst general elections; indicating the party’s full support behind him come voting time sometime next month.