Lautimuia sworn in as Tuia Pua Letoa resigns

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 May 2026 – Parliament today witnessed the swearing in of the new Vaimauga 3 Member of Parliament Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai then the resignation of the Safata No. 2 Member, Tuia Pu’a Fuatogi Letoa, after he switched allegiances to the ruling FAST led government.

Lautimuia is the former Minister of Finance in the last government whose budget was rejected by parliament and triggered an early election where he lost to HRPP candidate, Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu.

However, Taioaliiseu switched allegiance to the FAST government and lost the seat to Lautimuia in last months by-election.

Before taking his oath, the Speaker of Parliament, Auapaʻau Mulipola Aloitafua, emphasized the responsibilities of a Member of Parliament who must be honest, unbiased, and uphold righteousness at all times.

Lautimuia then took the Oath or Affirmation of Office as a newly elected MP for Vaimauga 3.

However, he faces 14 charges alleging bribery and treating during the recent by-election and told reporters that his lawyers are preparing a counter petition.

Safata 2 MP resigns
Then the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the Safata No. 2 Member, Tuia Pu’a Fuatogi Letoa’s resignation that under the Standing Orders and the Electoral Act, must go back to the constituents in a by-election.

The two-time MP, apologized to the Speaker and Parliament and the country for any inconvenience he had caused during his time in office.

He also acknowledged the Leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and the party, explaining that his decision was driven by his district’s wishes to switch political parties.

“Safata, if this change helps bring our district together and unifies us, that will be enough for me,” he stated.

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt acknowledged Tuia’s courage and listening to the decision of his constituency.

“You needn’t apologize, as you have always spoken with humility and respect,” La’auli said.

HRPP Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi responded by saying Tuia has nothing to apologize for.

He emphasized that the HRPP as the Opposition party is dedicated to protecting people’s rights and respects Tuia’s freedom to choose his political path.

Tuilaepa encouraged Tuia to serve with honesty and integrity in his new party and wished him success.

Background to Tuia’s Resignation
Tuia was elected in the 2025 elections under the HRPP banner.

However, last Friday, the Alii ma Faipule of Safata 2 presented him to the FAST Party, expressing their support for him to be the only FAST candidate in an upcoming by-election.

Following his decision to switch allegiance, Tuia resigned from HRPP and Parliament this week.

Following the confirmation of thesMPs resignation, the Electoral Commissioner will in due course, announce a date for a by-election for the Safata 2 constituency.