The Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP has elected a new deputy leader ahead of parliament sitting next week.
During the session the party's application for the house standing orders to be amended will be considered.
This will allow the remaining seven MPs to be recognised as a party and opposition in parliament.
The seven-member caucus, according to party leader, Asiata Sale'imoa Va'ai, has elected the former SDUP leader's loyal supporter and senior MP, A'eau Peniamina Le'avai.
It is the second time the SDUP has elected a deputy leader after a month of turmoil and differences within the party when Asiata and five other MPs had demanded the resignation of party leader, Le Mamea Ropati.
The former leader as a result has stepped down and left the party.
He was later joined by another senior MP.
Both Le Mamea and Sililoto Tolo are becoming independent MPs.
