KEY POINTS:
Samoa has a new leader.
Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Efi was today elected the country's Head of State.
The decision came from the office of the Legislative Assembly after a Parliament meeting this morning.
Tupua was the only nomination put forth in Parliament and unanimously decided by members of Parliament present at Mulinuu.
Tupua Tamasese takes over from the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, who died last month. He will hold the position for a period of five years until another HoS election.
Tupua, a former Prime Minister of Samoa, is well known in academic and cultural circles for his oratory skills.
He served as Prime Minister from 1976-1982; and as Deputy Prime Minister from 1985-1988.
A member of one of the Kingly Families (Aiga Tupu), Tupua is well known for his passion for the Samoan culture and history.
He has also published several insightful accounts of the Samoan culture, which includes Clutter in Indigenous Knowledge, Research and History: A Samoan Perspective.
