The Office of the Electoral Commissioner has issued the writ for the upcoming Vaimauga 3 by-elections set for Friday, 01st May 2026.
Nomination of Candidates will open for one day only – from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Friday 10th April 2026.
The last day for Withdrawal of Nominations is Thursday 16th April 2026 at 12:00 Noon.
PURSUANT to the Warrant for By-Election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly under section 148(2), and sections 149(1) and 149(3) of the Electoral Act 2019, the public notice is hereby issued for the Writ for election of a Member of Parliament for the Electoral Constitueney of Vaimauga 3, as follows:
i) Nomination of Candidates – opens from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Friday, 10th April 2026.
ii) Last day for Withdrawal of Nominations – Thursday, 16th April 2026 at 12:00 Noon.
iii) Pre-Polling Day is on Wednesday, 29th April 2026.
iv) Polling Day is on Friday, 01st May 2026.
v) Return of Writ for By-Election – Monday, 04th May 2026.
The Vaimauga 3 seat was won by the Human Rights Protection party at the August 2025 general elections.
The constituency returns to by elections after elected MP, Taioaliiseu Saunia Fiti Aimaasu, made known his intention to cross the floor and join the ruling Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party.
Taioaliiseu had won by 126 votes ahead of former Minister of Finance, Hon Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai.
It is understood the majority of HRPP supporters of the late Papalii Niko Lee Hang had backed Taioaliiseu’s campaign, and those loyalties will be hard to predict at the upcoming by-election.
It is understood that the former Finance Minister, Hon Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, will again be contesting the Vaimauga 3 seat, with the support of his Magiagi village.
Lautimuia is a member of the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) led by former Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
This week, the Member of Parliament for Safata 2 district, Tuia Paepae Letoa, announced his constituency’s support of his switch from HRPP to the FAST party after a meeting of the district.
The current Legislative Assembly of Samoa
FAST (Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi): 32 seats
HRPP (Human Rights Protection Party): 12 seats (after Tuias resignation)
SUP (Samoa Uniting Party):Â 3 seats
Independents:Â 2 seats
Vacant: 2 seats (Vaimauga 3 and Safata 2)
Results of August 2025 General Elections
- Toa Samoa Rewrite Record Books in 78–4 World Cup Rout of France - October 17, 2026
- Carrying Samoa from Salailua Palauli to the International Stage - October 16, 2026
- Prime Minister Commends Samoa Basketball’s 50% Local Player Policy: Go with Confidence, Play with Heart - October 16, 2026
