SUVA, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II has been elected and confirmed as Samoa's new head of state, local newspaper the Samoa Observer reported Wednesday.
The Samoan parliament on Wednesday confirmed the new head of state, after he was elected at a ruling party caucus meeting Tuesday night, the report said.
His appointment was announced by Prime Minister Tuiaepa Sailele Malielegaoi at the parliament.
His term will be five years.
Tuimalealiifano, one of the three members of the Council of Deputies, replaces Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who has been serving the Pacific Island country for 10 years and will not serve a third term.
In line with Samoa's Constitution, the head of state shall be appointed by the Legislative Assembly, the country's parliament, acting on the recommendation of the party or parties in government.
