Tuimalealiifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II is Samoa's new head of state.
Parliament speaker, Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi, made the announcement in parliament this morning.
RNZI reports the ruling HRPP party met last night and voted for the next head of state as required by the constitution.
Tuimalealiifano, one of the longest serving member of the Council of Deputies, is a lawyer by profession and a former police inspector.
He replaces Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi who held the position for two five-year terms.
Photo RNZI/Monica Miller