The world's eyes on Tuvalu when 16 parliamentarians are elected
Unusually large interest is directed towards the Pacific nation of Tuvalu ahead of the parliamentary elections on Friday, AP and The Guardian write. The country's 11,000 inhabitants must vote in members to the 16-seat parliament.
The great interest is due to China's increased influence in the region and the fact that Tuvalu is one of twelve countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The nearby island of Nauru recently chose to break with Taiwan to move closer to China instead.
Tuvalu Finance Minister Seve Paeniu is aiming for the prime ministership and has said he wants to evaluate the relationship with Taiwan and China.
However, several other leading candidates, including incumbent Prime Minister Kausea Natano, have pledged to stand faithfully by Taiwan's side.
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Researcher: The election in Tuvalu probably worries Taiwan
Despite Tuvalu's small size, Friday's election is being followed from Beijing as well as Taipei and Canberra. Speculation claims that the island nation may begin to move closer to China and break with Taiwan, Australian researcher Mihai Sora told The Guardian.
Historically, Taiwan has lost its friends in connection with elections, when a new government chose to approach China instead.
- Taiwan's government is probably quite worried that this election could mean losing another partner, says Sora.
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