Fono
Samoa became a [[United Nations trust territories|United Nations trust territory]] in 1947, and began a transition towards self-government and independence. In March 1953 the New Zealand Government issued a "statement of policy" proposing internal self-government for Samoa under a Westminster model, with a Prime Minister, Cabinet, and legislature elected by [[universal suffrage]]. The proposals were considered by a constitutional convention in November 1954. This adopted a series of broad principles for a future government, including a parliamentary system. One controversial provision was that rather than universal suffrage, only "matai" would have the right to vote and stand for election. This was reluctantly accepted by the New Zealand government as "the present wish of an overwhelming majority of the Samoan people". The proposals were formally adopted by the [[Legislative Assembly of Samoa]] in February 1956. An important provision was that [[Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole]] and [[Malietoa Tanumafili II]] would jointly act as head of state until their death or resignation, with future heads of state being chosen by the legislature. The relationship with New Zealand would be decided at a future date, but would likely be modeled on that then prevailing between [[Tonga]] and the [[United Kingdom]].