Two senior Members of Parliament who are with the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) have officially resigned from the party to become independent M.P.s.

M.P. for Faleata No. 4 Ale Vena Ale and the Siumu representative, Tuuu Anasii Leota made the announcement on Thursday afternoon after handing over their letter of resignation. 

During a press conference this afternoon, the senior M.P.s say their decision is in response to their party leaders' defiance to calls for them to step down after losing the general elections last year. 

In addition the two M.P.s say they don't want to continue to stay in a party led by a leader, who is guilty of contempt of court and breached the Parliament's Standing Orders, saying it was disgraceful conduct.

Ale told the press conference that the H.R.P.P. as a political institution is going down and Tuilaepa is now the "damaging factor" of the party and that he no longer sees it having a future. 

Tuuu said the party leader failed in the 2021 general election and should have conceded and handed over the helm to other M.Ps who are also qualified to lead.

He said the party had also moved away from what it was established to do to protect human rights and added that him becoming independent also ensures he can openly speak up in support of developments that benefit his district like the $1 million fund district grant.  

According to Standing Orders of Parliament the seat of an M.P. becomes vacant during his or her term of office where in certain circumstances the Member;

(i) resigns or withdraws from or for any other reason changes his or her political party; or

(ii) joins a political party if he or she is not a member of the political party as declared under (2)(c) of the Standing Order.