Samoa's Parliament has elected two Cabinet Ministers as new members of the council of deputies.
Samoa's newly elected members of the council of deputies, or deputy head of state, Tuiloma Lameko (L) and Le Mamea Ropati. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, Le Mamea Ropati and Minister of Revenue, Tuiloma Lameko, were elected after a motion by the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, which was endorsed by Parliament.
Tuilaepa told Parliament a member of the council of deputies can take the over the position of head of state in the absence of the appointed head of state.
The other council of deputies member is Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II.
The Constitution requires that three members of the council of deputies be elected by Parliament.
