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Posted: Wednesday, April 12th, 2006 5:09 AM HST

Returned Samoan leader reappointed as prime minister by party

By Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) _ Samoa's ruling party has reappointed both the prime minister and his deputy to their posts. The moves came after the party extended its 24-year hold on power at the nation's March 31st elections. Lawmakers in the ruling Human Rights Protection Party voted unanimously to name Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, premier since 1998, as prime minister. His deputy since 2001, Misa Telefoni, won a contested vote among party lawmakers at a party retreat on the outskirts of the capital, Apia. After a preliminary vote count Saturday the ruling party had 30 seats. But it has since increased as lawmakers who stood as independents joined the governing party. (Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)