The Human Rights Protection Party leader, Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi, has written to the Speaker of the House asking about the by-elections plans for the replacement of Members of Parliament, Ale Vena and Tuuu Anasi’i Leota who resigned from their party last week.
In a letter to the Speaker, dated 4 November Tuilaepa said the seats are now vacant.
He inquired Speaker Lio Papalii Taeu Masipa’u, his plans for by-elections in relation to the electoral constituencies involved, so they can start organizing candidates for the HRPP.
The former Prime Minister says the Electoral Act is clear when it comes to MPs that resign from their parties, once it takes effect their seats become vacant and byelection processes kick in.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House told Radio Polynesia on Friday, the Faleata No4 and Siumu MP can be independent members. Adding that until they cross over to another party only then, will warrant a by-election.
In his resignation letter, Siumu MP said the HRPP is a toxic environment that needs to be overhauled otherwise it will not move forward.
While Ale said that Tuileapa needs to do the right thing and step down from leading the HRPP.
