Safata No.2 member of parliament Tuia Letoa Paepae was presented to the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party on Friday by the district chiefs.

The alii and faipule told the FAST Party executives that they wanted their MP to don their colours.

Tuia contested the Safata No.2 seat under the Human Rights Protection Party banner. Earlier this year, he announced that the chiefs in the district wanted him to switch parties.

Tuia has resigned from the HRPP but has yet to do the same in parliament. He is expected to announce on Tuesday, when parliament convenes.

The special gathering on Friday was held at Maota o Samoa. FAST Chairman and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt was told by the district chiefs that they wanted FAST leadership.

In response, Laaulialemalietoa acknowledged the constituency for this special meeting and also their intention for Tuia.

"Tuia will be the only FAST candidate to run if there is a by-election," he said.

"That is the only way to victory.”

Laaulialemalietoa said he hopes every voter will vote for Tuia.

Once Tuia resigns from parliament, a notice will be issued by the Speaker, following which a by-election will take place.

Under Samoa’s electoral laws, any MP who crosses the floor needs to resign and get re-elected in a by-election.