The world’s smallest republic in Micronesia, Nauru, went to the polls on the 24th of August, to elect members of its unicameral parliament. Seven thousand eligible voters chose 19 members of parliament, who then elected the President. From the results, incumbent President Baron Waqa lost his seat in his constituency, Boe.

Pre- Election Controversies

Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea have been used by the Australian government as offshore processing centres for the country’s asylum seekers. These centres contribute a significant amount of revenue to the economy of Naura, however, growing reports of humanitarian crises within the centres have opened them to more criticism.

The government of Nauru has been accused of blocking medical care for refugees. Last year, Médecins Sans Frontières, a humanitarian medical organisation, was kicked out of the country for providing mental health services to refugees. According to the Guardian: “Nauru accused it of conspiring against the government, and said it had expelled MSF when it learned the doctors were treating refugees as well as Nauruans.”

“In February the Nauru government passed laws that prevented residents of Nauru from being granted a medical transfer to Australia if the referral was based on an online consultation, which is common in the treatment of refugees,” the Guardianreported.

Australia is currently trying to repeal the law.

Will the election impact Australia’s offshore processing?

Although President Waqa favoured keeping the centres open, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) believes the change in government could impact the Australian asylum policy.

Newton Caine, a pacific expert who has worked for the United Nations and World Bank in the region, told the ABC: “While the [offshore processing centre] makes significant contributions to the economy of Nauru, that is obviously declining as the centre gets smaller… I think whoever takes over government will be looking at what’s next for Nauru in terms of replacing those revenue streams as they dwindle.”

The new parliament will meet on Tuesday to elect a new President and Speaker, the official Government of the Republic of Nauru Twitter account said.

Waqa will remain in his role until then.