Only One Head Of State In Samoa Now

With the death of Tupua Tamasese, Western Samoa will have only me Head of State —Malietoa Tunamafili 11. This is in accordance with f he new Constitution which came into effect on January 1, 1962, when Western Samoa became independent.

The new Constitution provided, cleverly, for proper recognition of f he heads of the four chiefly families who have always claimed suzerainty n Samoa — Malietoa, Tamasese, Mataafa and Tuimaleali’ifano.

The first two became Heads of State for life; Mataafa became Prime Minister; and the head of the Tuimaleali’ifano family (which has not wught prominence in Samoan affairs for some generations) became quali ied to enter the new parliamentary system with special privileges.

With only one Head of State, Article 25 of the Constitution now becomes more relevant, for it provides that if the Head of State is absent, ncapacitated or unavailable, the Legislative Assembly may elect up to l hree persons to a Council of Deputies to perform his functions. These must be eligible for election as Head of State.

At present, the Legislative Assembly considers that only the holders yf the titles: Tupua Tamasese, Malietoa, Mataafa and Tuimaleali’ifano ire eligible for election as Head of State. This is arranged by resolution, i new holder of the title Tupua Tamasese will be elected by the late man’s family.

On Malietoa’s death, the Head of State will be elected every five years.