22 Jun 2016

Nauru election candidate hopeful despite 'certain fear'

8:29 pm on 22 June 2016

A candidate in next month's election in Nauru says his policies are aimed at weeding out corruption and abuse of office.

The barren and bankrupt island state of the Republic of Nauru awaits the arrival of refugees, 11 September 2001. Just 25 square kilometres, Nauru has been devastated by phosphate mining which once made the Micronesians the second wealthiest people per capita on earth. AFP PHOTO/Torsten BLACKWOOD

The Republic of Nauru Photo: AFP

Joseph Harris said he was relieved that the government recently decided to bring down the prohibitive fee for election nominees, after it was hiked to $2000 Australian dollars.

He expressed confidence ahead of the July 9 poll, saying there's a groundswell on the island nation for political change.

Mr Harris, who is running in the Anetan constituency, said that despite fears people have of expressing their views publicly, they will send a message at the ballot box.

"I think there is a certain amount of fear, that would probably put them off voting truthfully," he said.

"I think there is a certain amount of indecisiveness in this coming election but the thing is they really need to know that they have the power to vote for who they really want in parliament."

Joseph Harris said the high cost of living and low wages were also prompting people to vote out the government.