17 Mar 2016

Nauru open to election observers

12:45 pm on 17 March 2016

Nauru's president, Baron Waqa, says election observers are welcome at any time although it is not clear if this amounts to an official invitation.

Opposition politicians have asked the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth to send monitors immediately after the Nauru government enacted controversial changes to voting legislation.

The Forum said it would only send observers if invited and the Commonwealth says to date it has not been invited.

In a video statement on his government's website, Mr Waqa said some have expressed their interest to come earlier.

"They can come any time. Of course, they have expressed their interest to come earlier and I have said 'No problem. Come. Make yourself welcome.'"

Nauru President Baron Waqa.

Nauru President Baron Waqa. Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta

Media access is restricted because Nauru charges a non-refundable US 5000 dollar visa application fee.

In addition, New Zealand and Australian citizens now need a Nauru sponsor to be able to enter Nauru.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs