Related Research Articles
Politics of Samoa takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic state whereby the Prime Minister of Samoa is the head of government. Existing alongside the country's Western styled political system is the fa'amatai chiefly system of socio-political governance and organisation, central to understanding Samoa's political system.
The O le Ao o le Malo is the head of state of Samoa. The position is described in Part III of the 1960 Samoan constitution. At the time the constitution was adopted, it was anticipated that future heads of state would be chosen from among the four Tama a 'Aiga "royal" paramount chiefs. However, this is not required by the constitution, so, for this reason, Samoa can be considered a republic rather than a constitutional monarchy. The government Press Secretariat describes O le Ao o le Malo as a "ceremonial president". However, as all of the heads of state elected by the Legislative Assembly since independence have been one of the four chiefs, so it is ambiguous as to whether the country constitutes a parliamentary republic or a democratic elective monarchy. The holder is given the title of Highness, as are the heads of the four paramount chiefly dynasties.
General elections were held in Western Samoa on 28 April 1948, the first to the new Legislative Assembly. The United Citizens Party won four of the five directly-elected seats.
Thomas George Nauer, also known as Tofa Tōmasi, was a Western Samoan politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly between 1948 and 1953.
General elections were held in Western Samoa on 27 April 1951. Although the 1948 elections had been fought by two political parties, the 1951 elections saw all candidates run as independents.
Tuala Tulo was a Western Samoan politician who served as a member of the Fono of Faipule, Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly between 1936 and 1953.
General elections were held in Western Samoa on 15 November 1957.
Molio'o Pouli Setu was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly between 1948 and 1951.
Arno Max Gurau was a Western Samoan politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly between 1951 and 1957, and again in 1961.
Tualaulelei Mauri was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly between 1943 and 1961, and as Minister of Lands and Minister of Agriculture between 1956 and 1961.
Anapu Solofa was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly and as Minister of Justice.
Fonoti Matautia Ioane (John) Brown was a Western Samoan chief, businessman and politician. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly in two spells between 1948 and 1957, and held the portfolios of Agriculture and Health.
Afioga Tuatagaloa Leutele Te'o Satele Simaile was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1951 until 1970 and as Minister of Education and Minister of Justice between 1956 and 1967.
To'omata Lilomaiava Tua was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1951 and as Minister of Lands from 1959, holding both roles until his death in 1970.
Leiataua Soloa was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1951.
Vui Manu'a was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1954.
Asiata Muese was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Council from 1938 to 1939, and then as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1951.
Fata Tamati was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1951.
Afioga Masoe Tulele was a Western Samoan chief and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1954, and again from 1964 to 1967.
Gatoloaifaana Peseta Siaosi Sio was a Western Samoan chief, musician, writer and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1950 to 1951, and again from 1954 to 1957.
References
- ↑ W. Samoa's New Assembly Now Taking Shape: Samoan Members Chosen Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1948, p49
- ↑ Constitution of Samoa Legislative Assembly of Samoa