Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Maatia Toafa not giving up in battle to lead new Tuvalu government

Posted at 07:52 on 08 August, 2006 UTC

Tuvalu’s caretaker Prime Minister admits he’s got a battle on his hands to retain the leadership role following last week’s election.

Maatia Toafa lost eight of his former government ministers after voters went to the polls, but says he hasn’t given up hope.

Mr Toafa says he’s ready to serve another term and is now in discussions with the new members in a bid to gain their support.

Two groups have emerged in the 15-member parliament with a former opposition member, Kausea Natano, claiming to have a majority.

But the caretaker Prime Minister says the battle has just begun.

“I won’t give up hope, I will try to you know, work something so the majority can be returned to my group if I can, otherwise that’s it.”

Tuvalu’s new goverment is to be sworn in on August 17th.