Delayed Tuvalu election result highlights climate impacts
SYDNEY - An election result in Tuvalu has been delayed by two weeks as dangerous weather stops boats from bringing new lawmakers to the capital to vote for prime minister, highlighting why climate change is the top political issue in the Pacific Islands nation.
Tuvalu’s prime minister, Kausea Natano, lost his seat in a general election on January 26 closely watched by Taiwan, China, the United States and Australia, amid a geopolitical tussle for influence in the South Pacific.
Tuvalu is one of three remaining Pacific allies of Taiwan, and one contender for prime minister has said the new government should review whether Taiwan or China can best respond to Tuvalu’s development needs.
A vote of 16 newly-elected lawmakers will decide who the prime minister. But dangerous weather conditions, including forecasts of 4 metre (13 ft) waves, has stopped boats from reaching the capital, Funafuti.
“Four elect-MPs are still stuck on the outerislands. The proposed date to elect the PM is not possible now,” election commissioner Tufoua Panapa told Reuters on Tuesday.
Boats have been unable to come alongside the wharf in Funafuti’s small port, which is exposed to western winds, Funafuti Port acting director Taasi Pitoi said by telephone.
High tides in Funafuti have compounded the problem.
“It is flooding some places where there has never been flooding before,” he said, attributing this to rising sea levels.
Tuvalu’s meteorological service warned Funafuti residents to stay indoors as a 3.2-metre tide inundated the island. Photographs on social media show water lapping at the front doors of elevated homes, and waves crashing onto roads.
“We’re fatigued of telling our story over and over again,” Maina Talia, a climate activist elected to represent the atoll of Vaitupu, wrote on Facebook.
Scientists predict Funafuti risks being inundated by tides by 2050, and Tuvalu has struck a deal with Australia to allow its population to gradually migrate, but it is also seeking urgent action to fortify its coast.