25 Oct 2004

Nauru's president-elect expects to form reformist government

2:40 pm on 25 October 2004

Nauru's president-elect, Ludwig Scotty, is this afternoon expected to form a strengthened reformist government.

Mr Scotty, who was re-elected with his nine member government, will meet seven pro-reform candidates who have been voted in.

All but two of the nine members of the opposition were dumped on Saturday when elections were held for Nauru's 18 MPs.

The former health minister, who's likely to continue in the same role, Doctor Kieren Keke, welcomes the vote for change.

"We're keen to progress full speed with parliament sitting, and have the Budget passed. The Budget will essentially implement a lot of the policies which have been in planning for the last three months. So we see it as a major tool in demonstrating and educating people about what the reform actually means for them in their day-to-day lives."

Doctor Keke says a new parliament is likely to sit tomorrow.