Constitution |
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The Council of Deputies (Samoan: Sui O Le Fono a Sui Tofia) is a constitutional body in Samoa. 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.[1] If there are no members, the Chief Justice acts in their place.[1] Elections to the Council are required to take place as soon as possible after a new O le Ao o le Malo is elected.[1]