Samoa has a new Head of State

It's official: Samoa's new Head of State is Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II. It was announced in parliament, yesterday morning, July 5th, Samoa Time, according to the Samoa Observer and other news outlets in the country.

Rumors of the possibility of a new head of state, replacing Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, after 10 years in the position, have been rampant over the past week.

Talamua On-line News reported that on Tuesday night, July 4th, there were reports after a ruling party caucus was held a new candidate was favored. However it said, Prime Minister‪ Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi downplayed the reports and told reporters that night to await an announcement in parliament at 0930 this morning (July 5th) as there is a legal process to be followed.

“If it is Tupua, then he will be in the role 15 years,” said Tuilaepa.

If it’s a new appointment, then a swearing in ceremony will be held tomorrow, according to the Prime Minister.

Given the governments dominance in parliament, the selection will be academic for whoever caucus supports.

Tuilaepa also told reporters that all members of the Council of Deputies are eligible as candidates.

Most senior of the Council members is paramount chief Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Suālauvī. Former Cabinet Ministers Le Mamea Ropati Mualia and Tuiloma Pule Lameko are in their first terms in office.

Tuimaleali’ifano is a lawyer by profession and a former police inspector.

The ruling Human Rights Protection Party has been consolidating the role of Head of State to be open to a candidate of the party with the majority in parliament nominates.

In the spirit of the Constitution as well, future holders of the office do not have to be holders of the paramount chiefly titles – Tama Aiga.

When Samoa became independent in 1962, the role was held jointly by the Heads of State and paramount chiefs Malietoa Tanumafili and Tupua Tamasese Meaole.

In 1963, Tupua Tamasese Meaole passed away and Malietoa was Head of State for 45 years until his passing in May 2007.

Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi was appointed as Head of State in 2008 despite being a harsh critic of the Human Rights Protection Party and its successive governments.

Tupua is renown in American Samoa for his views on Samoan cultural structures as they relate to today’s political, social and economic issues in modern day. This year, in a highly unusual move, American Samoa invited Tupua to be the keynote speaker at the 2017 Flag Day ceremony.

According to Article 18 of the amended Samoa Constitution, the Head of State shall be appointed by the Legislative Assembly acting on the recommendation of the party or parties in Government. 

Within 60 days before expiry of the term of appointment of the Head of State or as soon as practicable when there is a vacancy in the office of Head of State. 

The party or parties in Government shall submit to the Speaker a written Notice recommending the name of only one person to be appointed as Head of State

The position is a 5-year one. Tupua served two 5-year terms.

(SOURCES: Talmua On-line News and the Samoa Observer)