The independent Member of Parliament for Vaisigano No.2 electorate, Motuopua’a Henny Papalii, resigned from parliament on Tuesday after joining the governing Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party last Saturday.
Under the Electoral Act a by-election will now be declared and Motuopua’a is expected to run as the FAST candidate.
He told Parliament that this is what his constituency wants.
“I will obey what the law says, and this is also obeying God. Thank you, my dear constituency, for the advice, and I apologize if there was any lapse during these few weeks I’ve been your MP. Please forgive me.”
“Obeying you (constituency) is obeying justice and God, may God bless the Parliament of Samoa.”
In response, Prime Minister, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, acknowledged Motuopua’a for his vision and wished him all the best as he returns to the polls.
“Your constituency has agreed that you should join the government, and that is justice which is to go back to the polls. I wish you all the best.”
