11 Sep 2013

Tuvalu voters toss out cabinet minister who forced a by-election

8:18 pm on 11 September 2013

Leneuoti Matusi has won the by-election on Tuvalu's Nui atoll.

The seat became vacant after the sudden resignation of Taom Tanukale in July, during a prolonged national political crisis.

Mr Tanukale, who had been health minister in the former Willie Telavi-led government, contested the by-election, finishing second with newcomer, Palemene Anelu, third.

Leneuoti Matusi is a former civil servant.

Pacnews reports that is not yet known whether the new MP will support the government or the opposition.

The Tuvalu government had a majority of two going into the by-election.