A private meeting brought together current members of the party and new hopefuls vying for office under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) banner, which included well-known businesspeople and professionals.

The gathering began with a prayer and opening remarks from the party's leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Roughly 40 possible candidates were seated at the head table while supporters filled the rest of the room. After the formalities, supporters were invited outside to the tents for refreshments as the party continued with a closed session.

Among those in attendance were prominent figures old and new, from business, media and public service. They included Tuala Oli Ah Him, owner of the Millenia Hotel; Tologataua Sooalo Siolei Alofaifo, broadcaster and owner of 685 Radio; Pauli Prince Suhren, former chief executive of the Samoa National Provident Fund; senior medical doctor Leituala Dr. Ben Matalavea; owner of Tai Native Experience, Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu and Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei, former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

A few women were also present at the candidate table, including Su’a Toefuataina Seve Ieremia, who is expecting to run under the HRPP banner.

HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who led the country for over two decades, remains at the helm as the party aims to return to power following the defeat of the 2025–2026 national budget, which triggered the upcoming election.

The general election must be held within 90 days, under the constitution, after the government failed to secure a majority vote on the national budget earlier this week.