Thursday 23 April 2026, Apia Samoa. The much anticipated Vaimauga 3 Candidates Debate widely promoted to take place at the National University of Samoa’s D101 Lecture Theatre at 11am Friday 24th April has been cancelled.
On Monday 20th April a media invitation was distributed by JAWS Secretary, Lepailetai Tosimaea Tupua of Mermada Media.
“The four candidates for the by-election have officially confirmed their participation in this important national discussion..” stated the invitation.
“This debate will provide a structured platform for candidates to respond to key issues affecting Samoa, including the economy, cost of living, unemployment, education, crime and safety, drug-related issues, youth challenges, and other pressing national and constituency matters..”
The debate was to have been moderated by Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia and JAWS President, Lagi Kerisoma. Media organisations were told they could each put one question to the candidates.
However, on Thursday afternoon, local media were told two of the candidates had withdrawn.
“I write to inform you all that the much anticipated debate for Vaimauga 3 scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled,” advised Lepailetai Tosimaea in an email.
“The HRPP candidate informed us yesterday evening he will not be attending and the FAST candidate emailed to say he is withdrawing..
“Both candidates did not provide any reason for pulling out of the debate.”
Four candidates will contest the Vaimauga 3 seat at the upcoming by-election set for Friday 1st May 2026.
Former Minister of Finance, Hon Lautimuia Uelese Vaai is running as an Independent. He has launched a strong online campaign.
The by-election was triggered when HRPP’s Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu resigned from the Vaimauga 3 seat to cross the floor to FAST. He will run as the only FAST candidate.
HRPP will be running Tuuamaalii Tupuola Fomai Sapolu and the fourth candidate is Puaalatamai Tupuola Filemoni Filemoni, also an Independent.
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