Head of States future rests on parliament this morning

APIA, SAMOA – WEDNESDAY 05 JULY 2017: Whether the Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi continues in the role for the next five years depends on Parliament this morning. This morning the 50-member Parliament voted unanimously for a of the Council of Deputies or Council of Deputy Heads of State, Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, to become Samoa’s Head of State for the next five years. The parliamentary session was only to formalize the selection when the Speaker made the written announcement from the Human Rights Protection Party and put the nomination to the vote. Tuimaleali’ifano, a holder of one of the paramount chiefly titles, Tama Aiga, replaces Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi who had served as Head of State for ten years and whose term ends 25 July 2017. The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi downplayed the reports and told reporters last night to await an announcement in parliament at 0930 this morning as there is a legal process to be followed. Tuilaepa also acknowledged incumbent Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and service as a Member of Parliament, Prime Minister, a Member of the Council of Deputies and Head of State. He said the election was conducted democratically and noted that it was the will of God that Tuimalealiifano, who was in the running for head of state in the last two elections wait his turn to take up the seat.
Samoa's Legislative Assembly appoints Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II as O le Ao o le Malo, or Head of State. He will succeed Tufuga Efi, the country's head of state since 2007, on July 25.