Parliament has officially declared Head of State, for a second and final 5 year term, the Tama Aiga, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II.
Speaker Papali’i Taeau Maspa’u announced, the official declaration by majority decision of the Government party at the opening of Parliament this morning.
Both the PM Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and opposition deputy leader Fonotoe Lauofo Meti congratulated the Head of State on the appointment.
Gratitude for services in the last 5-years by His Highness were expressed from both sides of the House.
There were anxious moments last week when the Head of State’s first term in office ended after only just officially conferred Chancellor of the regional University of the South Pacific.
TUimaleali’ifano is only the second elected Head of State after Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi to serve in office for two consecutive 5-year terms.