Stormy weather has delayed the forming of a new government in Tuvalu, with freshly elected lawmakers still unable to reach parliament yesterday, weeks after the Pacific nation went to the polls.
About half of the 16 elected members remained stranded on outer islands and were having trouble reaching the capital, Funafuti, due to high winds and rough seas, senior electoral officer Semi Malaki said.
“Hopefully, by next week we have all the MPs here on Funafuti and proceed with the election of the prime minister,” Malaki added.
Tiny Tuvalu’s Jan. 26 vote was closely watched in Taipei, Beijing and Washington, amid rumors a new government could switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.
However, since the vote, a low-pressure trough has brought heavy rain and high winds that have kept boats in port and lawmakers-elect at home.
Until a new government can be formed, pro-Taiwan Tuvaluan Prime Minister Prime Minister Kausea Natano, who lost his seat in the Funafuti constituency, remains in charge in a caretaker capacity.
Once a new prime minister is elected, there is speculation that Tuvalu — one of just 12 states, including the Holy See, that still formally recognize Taiwan — could switch allegiance to China.
Nauru recently severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of China, fueling rumors Tuvalu could be next.
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