Tuilaepa Sailele

Tuilaepa Sailele was elected as Prime Minister of Samoa, beginning his tenure as the longest-serving head of government in the country's history. He succeeded Tofilau Eti Alesana and led the Human Rights Protection Party.

Tuilaepa's government implemented a change from driving on the right to driving on the left, aligning with neighboring Australia and New Zealand. The switch aimed to reduce import costs for vehicles and improve road safety, though it caused initial disruption.

Tuilaepa won a fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister, extending his record as the longest-serving leader in Samoa. His party, HRPP, secured a majority in the general election, continuing his dominance in Samoan politics.

Tuilaepa declared a state of emergency in response to a severe measles epidemic that killed over 80 people, mostly children. The government mandated vaccinations and closed schools, but the outbreak highlighted gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

Tuilaepa's HRPP lost the general election to the FAST party led by Fiame Naomi Mataafa. The result led to a constitutional crisis and legal battles, but Tuilaepa eventually conceded, ending his 22-year tenure as Prime Minister.