Pacific Magazine > Daily News

Nauru Government Claims Election Victory

Monday: April 28, 2008

(Pacific Magazine)

The Nauruan government of President Marcus Stephen has claimed victory in last weekend’s election on Nauru, with an expected majority of at least 10 members in the 18-seat parliament.

For two months Nauru’s parliament has been deadlocked, when the opposition tried to remove President Stephen in a vote of no confidence.

However opposition leader and former president Rene Harris has lost his seat along with fellow opposition members, Cyril Buraman and Fabian Ribauw on the weekend.

The government claims there was no loss of seat by a sitting government member.

Marcus Stephen has comfortably retained his seat along with ministers Kieren Keke, Mathew Batsiua, Roland Kun. Frederick Pitcher and Sprent Dabwido, former Speaker Riddell Akua and government backbenchers Dominic Tabuna and Rykers Solomon.

Justice Minister, Mathew Batsiua said the poll result was a resounding victory for the government.

“This more than vindicates the stand we have taken and now lets us get on with the job of governing for the people of Nauru, who have sent a clear message to the entire parliament that they want political stability.

“This is not only shown in the result, but also in the favourable swing in votes to the incumbent government members,” Mr Batsiua said.

Parliament is expected to sit on Tuesday.