Polling day for the Vaimauga No.3 by-election has been set for Friday, 1 May 2026, according to the Office of the Electoral Commission.

The notice, signed by Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tufiafofo Alexander John Stanley, outlines the official timetable for the election following the issuance of a writ by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly under sections 148(2), 149(1) and 149(3) of the Electoral Act 2019.

According to the notice, nominations for candidates will open on Friday, 10 April 2026, between 9 am and 4 pm, with the last day for withdrawal of nominations set for Thursday, 16 April at noon. Pre-polling will take place on Wednesday, 29 April, while the return of the writ is scheduled for Monday, 4 May.

The by-election was triggered after the seat became vacant when Taioaliiseu Saunia Fiti resigned from the Human Rights Protection Party to join Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST), a move that under electoral law requires a by-election to be held.

Political parties have already confirmed their candidates, with FAST endorsing Taioaliiseu Saunia Fiti and the HRPP backing Tuuamaalii Foma’i Sapolu. The Samoa Uniting Party has also indicated it may field Luatimuia Uelese Vaai, who has signalled a possible return to contest the seat. Former FAST candidate Nonu La’ulu William Maui has not yet confirmed whether he will enter the race.

The Vaimauga No.3 constituency has a population of more than 10,000 according to the 21 Census. The constituency consists of 23 villages.