Pre-polling for the Vaimauga No. 3 by-election was carried out smoothly, with a quiet turnout, according to Office of the Electoral Commission (OEC) Public Relations Officer Seumanutafa Lima Vaepule at the polling station at Tanugamanono EFKS.

The Samoa Observer was on site and noted a calm atmosphere throughout the morning, with only a small number of voters turning up shortly before 11 am on Wednesday. Several OEC staff members were present to oversee the process, while police officers maintained a visible presence around the area to monitor the grounds.

In response to questions from the Samoa Observer, Seumanutafa confirmed that the pre-polling process went well. “There were 130 people who were registered for pre-polling,” he said.

The total roll count for the Vaimauga No. 3 district stands at 4,785 voters. OEC staff were still at the site before 5 pm.

The by-election was triggered following the resignation of Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaaasu from the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) to join the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party earlier this year.

Taioaliiseu won the 2025 general election by 126 votes over his closest challenger, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai.

The by-election for Vaimauga No. 3 is scheduled for Friday, May 1, with the official count expected to take place on Saturday.

Four candidates are contesting the seat: independent candidates Puaalatamai Filemoni Filemoni and Lautimuia Uelese Vaai; FAST candidate Taioaliiseu Fiti Aimaaasu; and Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) candidate Tuuamaalii Fomai Sapolu.