The Samoa government's new amendments to the Electoral act has now become law, leading to three members of the Tautua Samoa party stepping down, leaving their seats vacant.
The new law, endorsed by the head of state last week, requires that all MPs remain loyal to the political party they entered Parliament in on, and has been described by the government as a measure to prevent party hopping.
The Tautua Samoa party was formed during this parliamentary term.
Its three members, chairman Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, and two former HRPP cabinet ministers Palusalue Faapo II and Va'ai Solia Papu Va'ai quit yesterday.
The group have declared themselves as members of the Tautua Samoa party which breaches the newly passed electoral amendments.
The Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, called the MPs heroes.
By-elections for Vaisigano number one, Faleata west, and Safata territorial constituencies will now be called once the head of state is notified by the parliamentary speaker.
