POLLING : FILEPHOTO of an elector casting her vote in one of the many polling booths located around the country during general elections.
By Staff Writer
The race for the vacant Vaimauga 3 seat in Parliament is set to take off this week with the nomination of candidates for by-election.
The nominated candidates will have Thursday and Friday to register with the Electoral Office.
Candidates have one week, following the registration period, to withdraw if they want to.
The upcoming bi-election is the first not linked to the outcome of the general elections as the case in 2021, for alleged polling violations.
The Vaimauga 3 seat was held by the late former Cabinet Minister and veteran MP, Tapunu’u Niko Lee Hang, before his recent passing this year from ill health.
Unconfirmed reports suggest each party will register one candidate only.
The by-election results will not make much change in the balance of power between the ruling FAST and opposition HRPP main political parties.
Three possible bi-elections, however, may follow anytime soon this year, for the MPs who resigned from the HRPP party before the end of last year.
MPs Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota, Ale Vena Ale and Mau’u Siaosi Pu’epu’emai, are challenging the section of the Electoral Act, for them to legally resign.
The only way they can reclaim their electoral seats is to stand as candidates and win new bi-elections, called to elect new holders of the seats.