The constituency of Gagaiofomauga No. 3 is heading for a by-election, on a date to be announced by the Office of the Electoral Commissioner.

So conceded the Member of Parliament for Gagaifomauga No. 3, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao, during a press conference at the Maota o Samoa today.

The decision follows the announcement by the Speaker of Parliament, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi last week that the seat of Gagaifomauga No. 3 has been declared vacant and that the Electoral Commissioner would be issued with a writ to prepare a by-election.

But La’auli disputed the Speaker’s version of events, saying he never submitted a letter of resignation as Parliament resolved for him to do when he left during its last session.

The former Speaker of Parliament also explained that the letter he presented to Leaupepe during their meeting last week was a letter from his constituency to explain their decision.

Despite their disappointment and disagreement with the Speaker’s decision, La’auli said they have decided to “humble ourselves” and concede to having a by-election.

He said they did not want to continue to pursue the legality over his resignation because it would take up more time.

La’auli also confirmed that the new political party he is working to establish will be registered next week.

More details soon.