Nauru’s 2025 general election has drawn regional attention, with the Pacific Islands Forum sending an official observer mission to monitor the vote and praise the country’s commitment to democratic transparency.

While some political veterans are returning to parliament, the island nation has also seen a few unexpected shakeups and a clear message from voters rejecting a proposed extension to parliamentary terms.

In Saturday’s election, voters not only elected 19 members to the country’s parliament but also weighed in on a referendum to extend the parliamentary term from three to four years.

The proposal was firmly rejected, with 55.3 per cent voting against it - 4601 “no” votes compared to 3714 “yes” votes. This means Nauru’s three-year terms remain unchanged.

Among the key results, incumbent President David Adeang has retained his seat in the influential Ubenide constituency, joined by Reagan Aliklik, Russ Kun, and Ranin Akua. But Adeang’s role as president is not guaranteed because the decision on who will lead the country next lies with the newly elected parliament.

Several familiar faces are returning, including former President Lionel Aingimea (Mening) and Marcus Stephen (Anetan). But there were also notable changes. In Aiwo, Delvin Thoma and Rennier Gadabu emerged victorious, while in Yaren, Charmaine Scotty and Isabella Dageago secured their seats.

According to the Electoral Commission, the full list of elected MPs includes:

• Ubenide: David Adeang, Reagan Aliklik, Russ Kun, Ranin Akua

• Mening: Tawaki Kam, Jesse Jeremiah, Lionel Aingimea

• Aiwo: Delvin Thoma, Rennier Gadabu

• Yaren: Charmaine Scotty, Isabella Dageago

• Buada: Shadlog Bernicke, Bingham Agir

• Anetan: Timothy Ika, Marcus Stephen

• Boe: Asterio Appi, Wanganeen Emiu

• Anabar: Maverick Eoe, Pyon Deiye

The results are in line with Nauru's small but active political landscape, where all candidates run as independents, and coalition-building plays a crucial role in selecting the next president.

Voters in Nauru have rejected a proposal to extend the parliamentary term from three years to four years to in an election watched by Pacific Islands Forum observers. Photo/Nauru Electoral Commission

Pacific Islands Forum monitors election

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) deployed an Election Observer Mission to Nauru last week, underscoring regional efforts to support democratic integrity and good governance during the country’s general elections and national referendum held on 11 October 2025.

The mission, co-led by Darren Tohovaka, Secretary of Justice from Niue, and Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer of the Kiribati Electoral Commission, was tasked with observing polling and vote counting to assess whether the processes met national, regional, and international standards for free and fair elections.

The PIF’s presence followed an official invitation from the Nauruan government and reflects the Forum’s wider commitment, enshrined under the Biketawa Declaration (2000), to peace, good governance, and collective accountability across the Pacific.

“Free and fair elections are the foundation of good governance and public trust,” PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa says in a statement while praising Nauru’s "dedication to electoral transparency and credibility".

The PIF has confirmed that a full report on the mission’s findings will be compiled and published in due course.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa has praised Nauru’s transparent elections as voters reject a parliamentary term extension. Photo/Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Waqa says the Forum’s involvement marks yet another step in regional collaboration to uphold democratic processes across the Pacific, where observing and reporting on elections is increasingly seen as a shared responsibility.

While the election has returned many familiar figures, the rejection of longer terms suggests a cautious electorate not yet ready to give parliamentarians an extra year in office.

All eyes now turn to who will secure the support of the new parliament to become Nauru’s next president.

Watch Nauru President David Adeang address the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York below.