Assistant Electoral Commissioner Patea Uili Sio said the writ of election for the Vaimauga No.3 was just issued on Monday and that is why there was a delay in finalising the timeline for the by-election.

While the polling date has not been announced, the Office of the Electoral Office issued a notice that the voter roll will close this Friday for the by-election. People who are yet to register have until 4 pm.

He said the OEC is prepared for the election and in the coming weeks, more timelines will be revealed to the public and political parties.

Vaimauga No.3 is heading to a by-election after its Member of Parliament Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaasu resigned two weeks ago. He declared his intention to leave the Human Rights Protection Party and join the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party.

Meanwhile, during his weekly press-conference, Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi questioned the Electoral Commissioner Tuiafelolo John Stanley on the delay in announcing the timelines for the Vaimauga No.3 by-election.

When Tuilaepa was asked about their candidate for the Vaimauga No.3 by-election, he said they haven't selected anyone yet to represent the Human Rights Protection Party.

While discussing this issue during his press conference on Thursday he said the Electoral Commissioner should be issuing the notice of election now.

"What is taking him so long?" Tuilaepa said.

"The Electoral Commissioner should do his job independently and issued the notice today," he said.

When asked for a comment, Tuiafelolo said he was on sick leave and said to contact Patea.