The Council of Deputies () is a constitutional body in Samoa. A dormant commission, its members serve as Deputy O le Ao o le Malo and act as head of state when the office of O le Ao o le Malo is vacant or when the incumbent is unable to fulfill their duties due to absence or incapacitation.
The Council was established by the constitution at independence on 1 January 1962. It consists of between one and three members, who are elected by the Legislative Assembly. If there are no members, the Chief Justice acts in their place.Constitution of Samoa Constitute Project Elections to the Council are required to take place as soon as possible after a new O le Ao o le Malo is elected.
Members
Tuiaana Tuimalealiʻifano Suatipatipa II (1962–1974) Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV (1968–1970, 1976–1983)Brij Lal & Kate Fortune (2000) The Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia, Volume 1 p286Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV Pacific Islands Monthly, 1 September 1983 Mataʻafa Puela Faʻasuamaleaui Patu Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II (1993–2001, 2004–2017) Faumuina Anapapa (2002–2006)State funeral in Samoa for the late Member of the Council of Deputies Radio New Zealand, 16 June 2006 Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi (2004–2007, 2025–present) Tuiloma Pule Lameko (2016–2018)A member of Samoa's Council of Deputies dies Radio New Zealand, 3 April 2018 Le Mamea Ropati (2016–2024)Samoa has two new members of the council of deputies Radio New Zealand, 28 January 2016 Malietoa Moli II (2025–present) Le Laulu Tiatia Mapesone Mapusua (2025–present)
See also Presidential Commission, a similar body in the Republic of Ireland
References