Hopes for End to Tuvalu Parliamentary Deadlock

Radio Australia

20 June 2003

Tuvalu's parliament is expected to be convened on Saturday to elect a new speaker and possibly end a political deadlock.

Political observers on the island hope the sitting will pave the way for the formal session of the house to resume, following a month-long political stalemate, which began when the government lost its majority to the opposition.

Tuvalu's opposition has eight members while the government has seven.

Opposition leader Amasone Kilei says he believes the prime minister, Saufatu Sopoanga, will stall the sitting of the house because the opposition plans to introduce a vote of no-confidence in the government.

The parliament has been convened after intervention of the governor-general, Sir Tomasi Puapua.

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