The Nauru president, Rene Harris, has survived a vote of no-confidence, nine votes to eight .
A previous vote of no-confidence had been tied at eight-all, while one MP, Remy Namaduk, was overseas.
But on his return, Mr Namaduk voted against the second no-confidence motion.
The deputy clerk of parliament, John Garabwan says the attempt to unseat Mr Harris was triggered by the resignation of the Justice Minister, Godfrey Toma, who has joined the opposition.
"They thought they had the numbers from the other side, but at the last minute, it didn't eventuate. I think the person they tried to convince, stayed put and didn't go along with it."
The deputy clerk of the Nauru parliament, John Garabwan.
