Unsuccessful candidates in the recent Vaimauga No. 3 by-election say they will confirm their next move once they have made a decision, as the constituency prepares for its fifth by-election in five years.
Puaalatamai Filemoni Filemoni, who ran as an independent candidate in the May 2026 by-election, told the Samoa Observer that he has not yet decided whether he will contest the seat again.
“I will advise you when I make a decision,” Puaalatamai said in a message to the Samoa Observer. Puaalatamai received 474 votes in the recent by-election.
Another unsuccessful candidate, Tuuamaalii Foma’i Sapolu, also said it was still too early to confirm whether he would run again. When contacted by phone earlier this week, Tuuamaalii said he would contact the Samoa Observer once a decision had been made.
“It hasn’t been a week since the news,” Tuuamaalii said. He said the constituency was already feeling the impact of the latest developments, especially with constituency funds on hold.
