16 Mar 2010

Nauru set for early general election as President orders dissolution of parliament

6:50 pm on 16 March 2010

Nauru's President Marcus Stephen has ordered the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for a general election to be held a year earlier than originally scheduled.

Reports emerging from Nauru indicate the call by President Stephen came at the weekend and was in response to another attempt by the opposition to lodge a motion of no-confidence in his government.

It was the second attempt within four weeks and the government has voiced frustration that such moves by the opposition are preventing both government and parliament from carrying out their key functions.

Another brief Nauru parliamentary sitting is scheduled for Thursday before the dissolution of the house takes effect midnight Friday.

The general election is then expected to be held late April or early May, just two years after the last poll.