Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is being blamed as the culprit who masterminded the replacement of Samoa’s Head of State for the last ten years, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi.
Yesterday the Samoa Parliament voted unanimously on long time deputy head of state, Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II to become the next country’s next Head of State.
The parliamentary vote was largely symbolic as the ruling Human Rights Protection Party which has 47 of the 50 seats in Parliament had voted the night before on Tuimalealiifano to replace Tuiatua.
While the election of the Head of State was in accordance with a constitutional amendment and the successor is of the same kingly rank as Tuiatua, many have expressed on social media that a cultural solution should have been followed…that is for Tuiatua to serve as Head of State until his passing.
Critics have pointed to Tuilaepa’s stronghold on the ruling party saying the change happened because the PM willed it and noone in the party dared stand up to him.
The new Head of State, is a well educated and soft spoken lawyer who worked as a police inspector and attorney in the Samoa Attorney General’s Office before going into private practice.
He has been a deputy head of state for more than 20 years and lost to Tuiatua in the first two elections of the position.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa said after the swift parliamentary vote yesterday morning, that it was God’s will for Tuimalealiifano to have patience and wait his turn when he lost the first two elections for Head of State.
But through the counsel of the Holy Spirit via a vote of the HRPP, he has been called to serve.
Tuilaepa emphasized that Samoa was one family with lineage and blood lines crisscrossing.
He pointed out that the election of the Head of State was done democratically but indicated that perhaps it was necessary to make changes in the selection process in the future to ensure that leaders maintain cordial relations.
The prime minister thanked Tuiatua for his long service to the country as a member of Parliament, Prime Minister, Deputy Head of State and Head of State.
He didn’t doubt that Tuiatua desired to continue his service for Samoa in various capacities.
Tuiatua’s second five year term as Head of State ends July 25.
A ceremony to swear in his successor is being planned.
