Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Onesemo Resigns

2026-03-30 - 04:43

Source: Talamua Media. Apia, Samoa – 30 March 2026 – The Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo has resigned following the Election Court’s decision last a week that voided his seat for the Falealili 1 constituency. Toelupe announced his resignation in a media conference at 3pm this afternoon after tendering his resignation with the Prime Minister and Cabinet this morning. Toelupe stated his decision to resign is to protect the integrity of the government and cabinet and its decision-making process. However, he is pursuing two legal challenges based on constitutional grounds and secondly, to stay the Electoral Courts decision that voided his seat until the legal challenges are dealt with. The Electoral Court ruled that Toelupe was guilty of bribery over a claim that $150 tala was given to a couple who could not be found to present their evidence in Court. A second time MP, Toelupe led the FAST Government together with the Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarsoa Ale Molioo in tabling and passing the FAST Government’s first budget 2025/2026 as the Prime Minister was away in New Zealand on medical leave for 8 weeks from September to November 2025. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said voiding Toelupe’s seat is a major loss to him and government especially as Deputy Prime Minister carrying the major Works and Infrastructure portfolio. He said the Speaker of Parliament will be duly informed of Toelupe’s resignation.