who have agreed to form a new political party, reports SamoaNewline.
Tuilaepa felt that MPs should return to their respective constituencies to seek their views.
The issue was raised in a prime ministerial statement when parliament was called to session.
It is now up to Speaker Tolofuaivalelei Leiataua to decide on the by-election call by the prime minister, based on the standing orders of the House. He has promised to come up with a decision within 24 hours.
Under the standing orders, MPs who resigned from their political parties are allowed to stay on as independents. MPs are, however, required to return to a by-election if they should wish to switch political party allegiance.
The PM’s ministerial statement could not be debated under standing orders. It has been tabled, however, for presentation at a later date, to allow for members to speak about it.
The new move by the PM is expected to create new controversy over the interpretation of the standing orders.
