New political party

La'auli announced his move after he accepted a call from his Gagaifomauga number 3 constituency to quit the ruling Human Rights and Protection Party.

The MP said more details would be announced at a later date.

This comes after weeks of La'auli refusing to accept party leader and Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi's statement that the MP was no longer a caucus member.

Samoa's Electoral Commissioner has confirmed the Samoa First party has been registered.

A source told Talamua Online that the party hoped to bring change to Samoa's political landscape and would push to benefit the lives of the people, especially their rights to customary land.

Samoa's 49 seat Fono or Legislative Assembly is dominated by two political parties.

The ruling Human Rights Protection Party of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has 29 seats while the Tautua Samoa Party has 13.

There are seven independents.