The Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party has advised Safata No.1 to hold discussions to ensure only one candidate represents the party in the upcoming by-election, after two hopefuls, Tafafunai Fonofili Mimio and Tafafunai Aialii Anapu, were formally presented to the party on Saturday.

The by-election scheduled for 6 February has been postponed.

Prime Minister and FAST Party leader Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt welcomed both candidates but emphasised that only one will contest under the FAST banner. Discussions are ongoing to determine the official candidate.

Both Tafafunai Fonofili, a native of Saanapu, and Tafafunai Aialii were formally inducted into the party during a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, government ministers and associate ministers, party supporters, and members of the Safata 1 constituency. 

Former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and ex-Safata No.1 MP Anapu Seve Tei Fuimaono was also present, along with the group delivering her sister, Tafafunai Fonofili, to the party.

Customary induction protocols were observed, including the presentation of envelopes to party leadership.

Tafafunai Aialii previously contested the 2021 General Election under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), receiving 473 votes but losing to HRPP candidate Leaana Ronnie Posigi.

Tafafunai Aialii told the Samoa Observer that he stepped aside last year to allow his cousin Seve to run as a candidate. He said he wants to contest in the by-election because the spot was his and he had given it up for Seve. 

Earlier, Tunumafono Makerita Tai-Tin had been expected to contest under the FAST banner, confirmed by Sataoa village mayor Vainea Ropi Sauiluma, but internal disagreements led to her withdrawal.

The Safata No.1 by-election will be held at a later date, pending an official announcement. The seat was declared vacant after the Electoral Court found both the 2025 snap election winner Seve Te’i Fuimaono and petitioner Leaana Ronnie Posini guilty of corrupt practices.