It has been a rollercoaster ride for three parliamentarians, resigning last November from their former party only to trigger by-elections in their seats, and get re-elected but under a new party.

But for re-elected Members of Parliament, Ale Vena Ale (Faleata No. 4), Tuu'u Anasii Leota (Siumu) and Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai (Vaa o Fonoti), they would be elated that their challenges are now over with their by-election victories last month all but confirming their seats until the next general election.

The Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Masipau oversaw the swearing-in of the re-elected Members of Parliament on Tuesday, who were all attired for the occasion in their bright red suits, representing the colours of the ruling Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party.

It was an emotional day for the Members of Parliament, who were bold enough to walk away from their former party and fight for what they believed was the best course of action for their respective constituencies. Their decision to resign from the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) in November last year meant they had to return to their constituencies and ask the voters again for their support, but this time contesting under the umbrella of the current ruling party. 

Following their successful by-election results last month, the ruling party's numbers were given a major boost to increase to 35 with the HRPP still on 18 members following the resignation of the trio last November.

Tuu'u told Samoa Observer on Tuesday after his swearing-in ceremony that the decision to leave the Opposition-aligned party was to ensure that his constituency gets the benefits that it deserves for national developments. 

He said it was clear that his former party was not in a good state and they made the decision to walk away and pursue what they believe is in the best interest of their districts.

"When the district thrives I believe the country will also be in good health," said the Siumu M.P. "I thank God for answering our call.

"I also thank my constituency of Siumu for their support and no doubt our overseas supporters had contributed to the outcome."

Asked how he felt about wearing a different coloured uniform, Tuu'u said regardless of what colour he wears, what's important to him is the wellbeing of his district and he hopes his views and service can benefit the district and its residents. 

"If I see there are things that are not right I will also give my advice to ensure it is for the wellbeing of the general public and not just for a small portion of the population."

The Faleata No. 4 M.P. expressed similar sentiments when discussing his political journey over the last 13 months with the Samoa Observer.  

He said they made the right choice when they withdrew the legal challenge and headed to the by-election, though he indicated that some Opposition members were reluctant to exit the party, as they feared going through a by-election. 

Emphasising that he felt the time was right to make his H.R.P.P. exit, Ale acknowledged that he and his two parliament colleagues have overcome a difficult part of their journey.

"I thank God for making way through the support of my district in the by-election," said the Faleata No. 4 M.P. "I thank my wife, children, sisters and brothers, family, supporters and everyone that put together their hard work to support me.

"I have returned to Parliament and have sailed through the difficult times." 

Family and relatives of the three re-elected Members of Parliament gathered at the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday morning to witness their second swearing-in ceremony in the current parliamentary term.