Two political parties have openly endorsed their candidates for the Vaimauga No.3 by-election.

The Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party has endorsed Taioaliiseu Saunia Fiti, while the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) are backing Tuuamaalii Foma'i Sapolu.

Both parties have published their names as vying for the Vaimauga No.3 seat. There is no word if former FAST candidate, Nonu La'ulu William Maui, will also contest.

Another hopeful who has indicated a return is Luatimuia Uelese Vaai. He has said he may contest under the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) banner.

The seat became vacant after Taioaliiseu resigned from HRPP to join FAST. The law states that under such circumstances, a by-election has to be held.

The Office of the Electoral Commission is yet to confirm the polling day for the Vaimauga No.3 by-election.

The only notice issued by the OEC is for the closing of the voter roll. The OEC announced last week that the Vaimauga No.3 voter roll will close on Friday, 4 April. This means people who are yet to register as voters in Vaimauga No.3 will have until 4 pm on Thursday, 3 April to do so.

Meanwhile, the OEC is yet to make any announcements regarding the vacancy of the Falealili No.1 seat. The election of Toelupe Poumlinuku Onesemo was declared void after the court found him guilty of one count of bribery during the 2025 general election.

The decision was delivered last week. Under the law, the Speaker of the House has to issue a notice of vacation of the seat to get things moving.