The newly appointed Members of Samoa’s Council of Deputies are set to take their oaths of office on 7 January 2025 marking a significant milestone in the country’s governance. 

The Samoa Observer confirmed this through an interview with one of the appointees, Le Laulu Tiatia Mapesone Mapusua, in Savai’i.

While Le Laulu confirmed the date of the swearing-in ceremony, he refrained from providing further comments, expressing his preference to wait until the official ceremony. However, he shared his deep sense of gratitude and humility, attributing his appointment to divine intervention.

Le Laulu, a resident of Gataivai, Savai’i, reflected on his journey to this position. Despite multiple attempts to secure a seat in Parliament through elections, he was unsuccessful. He believes this was part of God’s greater plan for him.

“I feel this is an appointment from God.” Le Laulu sees his new role as an opportunity to contribute positively to Samoa, particularly by offering advice to the government to improve the livelihood of its people.

His passion for public service is rooted in his desire to continue the legacy of his father, Mapusua Malo, who once served as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Palauli le Falefa during a period when the Legislative Assembly comprised 47 members.

Joining Le Laulu in the Council of Deputies are two other prominent figures:

Malietoa Moli II, son of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, who was Samoa’s Head of State for several decades. Malietoa Moli II’s appointment comes after a prolonged legal dispute over the prestigious title, which left the position unfilled for over a decade. 

Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, a former Head of State who served from 2007 to 2017. Tui Atua’s tenure ended amid controversy when the previous administration elected Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II as the new Head of State. A constitutional amendment passed in 2019 now limits the Head of State’s tenure to two terms.

The inclusion of these distinguished individuals in the Council of Deputies underscores the diversity of experiences and legacies they bring to Samoa’s leadership.