Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
His Highness Afioga
Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II
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Sualauvi II in 2018
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| O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa | |
| Assumed office 21 July 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Deputy | Le Mamea Ropati Tuiloma Pule Lameko (until 2018) |
| Preceded by | Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi |
| Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific | |
| In office 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Dalton Tagelagi |
| Succeeded by | David Vunagi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 April 1947 Western Samoa |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Masiofo Faʻamausili Leinafo |
| Alma mater |
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Afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Eti Sualauvi II (born 29 April 1947) is a Samoan politician. He is the current O le Ao o le Malo (head of state) of Samoa. He has held this important role since 2017.
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About Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II
Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II comes from an important family in Samoa. He is the great-grandson of Tuimaleali'ifano Fa'aoloi'i Si'ua'ana I. This ancestor was a leader in the Mau movement, which worked for Samoa's independence.
His grand-uncle, Tuiaana Tuimalealiʻifano Suatipatipa II, was also a key figure. He was one of the first members of the Council of Deputies in 1962.
In July 1977, Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II received the title of Tuimalealiʻifano. This is one of the four main chiefly titles in Samoa. He is married to Masiofo Faʻamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano.
His Early Jobs
Before becoming head of state, Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II had many different jobs. He worked as a policeman in Samoa and for three years in New Zealand. He was even a Police Chief Inspector in Samoa.
He also worked as a lawyer. He helped people as a public defender and public trustee. He was a barrister and solicitor in the Supreme Court of Samoa.
Besides his legal and police work, he was a secondary school teacher. He is also an elder deacon and lay preacher for his church. This is the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Matautu Falelatai village. He has preached sermons in Australia and New Zealand.
His Political Journey
Running for Parliament
In 2001, Tuimalealiʻifano ran for a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Samoa. He wanted to represent his home area, Falelatai and Samatau. He ran as an independent candidate.
He hoped to bring more attention to his family's important title. However, the village council supported his opponent. They felt that a high chief should not get involved in political fights. They also thought his role as an independent in parliament might not be very big.
The council suggested he stay on the Council of Deputies. They even said he might become the next head of state. But Tuimalealiʻifano decided to continue his campaign. He did not win the election.
Becoming Head of State
Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II was a member of the Council of Deputies for many years. This council advises the Head of State. He served from 1993 to 2001 and again from 2004.
In 2017, he was elected to be the new head of state of Samoa. He took office on July 21, 2017. He followed Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi in this role.
In May 2021, there was a disagreement about the results of the 2021 election. The Supreme Court of Samoa later overturned his decision to call new elections. He then tried to stop the Legislative Assembly of Samoa from meeting. This led to a constitutional crisis in Samoa.
In July 2022, his time in office was extended. On August 23, 2022, he was reappointed for another five-year term.
From July 2022 to June 2023, he also served as the 29th chancellor of the University of the South Pacific. This is a big university for many Pacific island nations.
His Education
Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II has a law degree. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Australian National University. He also studied theology. He has a Certificate and Diploma in Theological Studies from Malua Theological College.
See also
In Spanish: Vaaletoa Sualauvi II para niños
