Ale Vena Ale, left, and the associate Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi. Photo: RNZ/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Two senior MPs in Samoa's opposition Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) have resigned from their political party and become independents in parliament.
They are Faleata No4, Ale Vena Ale, and Siumu MP, Tuu'u Anasi'i Leota.
The pair told local media about their departure from the party which had ruled Samoa for almost four decades until last year's election.
Tuu'u said the village endorsement of his candidacy wasn't based on the political party he served.
He said the duo had raised issues with party management but were ignored.
Ale told media his constituency supports him moving away from the party.
The MPs' resignations follow the suspension of HRPP leader and former prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi from parliament, along with the party secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.