Nauruan parliamentary election, 2004

The parliamentary elections in Nauru in 2004 took place on 22/23. Of October 2004.

History and results

After President Ludwig Scotty had dissolved the Parliament by October 2, 2004, he began 2004 early elections for 23 October. First, the legality of the elections was controversial, as the suspended parliamentary speaker Russell Kun had filed against the unconstitutional actions of the President in his view, an appeal to the Supreme Court. But state Judge Barry Connell denied any involvement, so that the elections were constitutional. Election forecasts predicted a significant majority of reformists to President Scotty, because in the constituency Ubenide former parliamentarians and supporters of René Harris were booed and celebrated members of the Naoero Amo - party at election meetings.

Polling stations opened at 8 clock (CET 21 clock ( October 22 ) ) and joined by 18 clock (CET 7 clock (23 October ) ). For the first time participate in the election living abroad Nauruans. The necessary forms were sent to the resident in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the United States and Great Britain Nauruans.

The Government to Scotty won the parliamentary elections by a large margin. While the liberal- reformist government was able to keep all of their nine of the 18 seats in parliament, the conservative opposition lost seven of its nine seats to the government. Election observers of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth assessed the elections as free and fair. Thus, the years-long political instability is likely to be overcome, because Scotty and his followers now have a majority of 16 to 2, which means the largest parliamentary majority in the history of Nauru.

The election of the President was held on 26 October 2004. Ludwig Scotty was re-elected unopposed as President of the Republic of Nauru. To the Speaker of Parliament Vassal Gadoengin was chosen. Since Gadoengin died on 16 December, was elected on 21 December Valdon Dowiyogo the new parliamentary speaker.