The resignation of Samoa's Finance Minister, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, is expected to go some way towards healing a rift within the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.
Faumuina has received criticism for months, including from some within his own party caucus, over allegations of abuse in the performance of his ministerial duties.
Our correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the rift within the party existed because Faumuina remained a cabinet minister after the allegations surfaced, but his resignation should mend this.
"Some other MPs who are very critical of the Minister of Finance still spoke out about the leader of the country, the leader of the party not making a wise decision, not making the right decision for the Minister of Finance to step down. Now he's resigning from cabinet, and that I believe would help the ruling party in their preparation to campaign next year before the 2016 election."
Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says a new Minister of Finance is expected to be announced on Friday.
