SYDNEY (AP) — On Friday, the small Pacific island nation of Tuvalu heads to the polls in an election that is being closely watched from Beijing to Canberra. Voters will choose 16 members of parliament and begin negotiations to choose a prime minister.
Elections in the tropical Tuvalu usually receive limited international attention, but China’s growing influence in the region and diplomatic relations between Tuvalu and Taiwan’s government have drawn even more attention to this year’s vote. A proposed security treaty with Australia could also be in jeopardy.
Here’s what’s at issue:
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Where is Tuvalu? How many people live there?
Tuvalu is made up of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. It is located approximately halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
As a low-lying atoll, Tuvalu is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming, and there are fears that rising sea levels and more intense storms could make it uninhabitable. Prime Minister Kausea Natano wants to raise the islands by 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) above sea level through land reclamation.
With a population of approximately 11,500 people, it is one of the smallest countries in the world.
It was once a British colony, but gained independence in 1978. The British King is still the head of state.
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What will happen in Tuvalu’s elections?
There are no political parties in Tuvalu, and all candidates run as independents. The top two vote-getters in each of the eight island constituencies go to parliament.
Voting will begin on Friday at 8:30am (20:30 GMT).
After the vote-counting process, which could end several hours after the close of voting at 4 p.m. Friday (4 p.m. Japan time), 16 newly elected members of parliament will form factions, with the largest group forming the government. and elect the prime minister.
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Who are the main candidates for Prime Minister?
The current prime minister, Kausea Natano, is running again, but even if he succeeds in defending his Funafuti seat, there is no guarantee he will lead the country again.
Natano Finance Minister Sebe Paeniu, who wants to become prime minister, is running unopposed in the Nkulaelae constituency and has already secured a seat in the next parliament. Paeniu has started discussions with other candidates to support his leadership bid.
Opposition leader Enele Sopoaga also aspires to the top job, a position he held until losing to Natano in the leadership race following the 2019 elections.
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Why are elections important?
Tuvalu is one of only 12 countries that have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, an autonomous democratic island that China claims as its own territory.
nearby pacific countries Nauru recently switched allegiance from Taiwan to China Immediately after Taiwan’s presidential election.
Under Prime Minister Natano, Tuvalu has maintained strong relations with Taiwan, and Prime Minister Natano made an official visit to Taipei in 2022. He expressed support for Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum in November.
Mr. Natano said he rejected an approach from the Chinese government to establish diplomatic relations because the government does not recognize dual relations with Taiwan.
Sopoaga, who previously served as Tuvalu’s ambassador to Taiwan, said Tuvalu should continue to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign and independent state and diplomatic ally.
Sopoaga also said he would refuse. Immigration and Security Treaty between Tuvalu and Australia Signed in November. The treaty, which obligates Australia to assist Tuvalu in response to major natural disasters, health pandemics and military invasions, has sparked intense debate in Tuvalu’s parliament and has not yet been ratified. The treaty also gives Australia a veto over security and defense agreements that Tuvalu seeks to enter into with other countries, including China.
Paeniu said he would like to review Tuvalu’s relations with both Taiwan and China to maximize the benefits for Tuvalu.