Vaimauga 3 MP Taioaliiseu Fiti resigns

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 5 March 2026: The Member of Parliament  for Vaimauga 3, Taioaliiseu Saunia Fiti has resigned as an MP with his intention to go back to a by-election and join the ruling Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt told the media in his weekly press conference yesterday that Taioaliiseu informed him through a text message that he had tendered his resignation as an MP with the Parliament Speaker.

This means the Speaker will have to present a writ for another by-election.

Laauli said the parliament sitting next week will not only swear in the newly elected MPs for Safata 1 and Vaisigano 2 but will inform of the official resignation of the Vaimauga 3 MP.

Time to consider his decision
Laauli said Taioaliiseu approached him two months ago with his intention to join FAST, however, he advised him to pray and think seriously about his decision as it will affect his family, his career and district.

He also advised him to consult the district and to remember there will be consequences of his decision.

Laauli said he also informed Taioaliiseu that the decision to accept him is up to the FAST party not him alone.

When Taioaliiseu informed of his decision to resign, Laauli pointed out to him to consult with Ve’atauia Faatasi and Nonu Laulu Williams, the FAST leaders within the district.

Nonu and Ve’atauia later informed the party leader of Taioaliiseu’s intention which they both supported on the understanding that the MP was supporting FAST.

Laauli is also aware that the MPs decision does not sit well with HRPP and FAST supporters especially after things said and posted on social media in the past, but he believes to give Taioaliiseu a chance to explain and clarify his decision.

A leader
In last year’s general election, Taioaliiseu defeated former Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai running under the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) and the FAST the candidate Nonu Laulu Williams.

“This means there is something in him that draws the support and confidence of district who believe and trust him,” said Laauli.

He also said that Taioaliiseu has admitted that he supported the wrong party before and he now feels he needed new thinking for the future of his political career.

The MPs resignation will now trigger another by election and Laauli knows the difficulties as he did resign and went down the same path and returned as the first official MP of the FAST Party in 2020.

“I’ve been there twice and it’s not easy,” he said.

He also believes that what Taioaliiseu has done, when he made up his mind, is an indication of leadership.

He has yet to go through the process to be presented and accepted by the FAST Party.