Tuvalu's Prime Minister, Saufatu Sopoanga says he is still hopeful of governing the country because of the prospect of an opposition member of parliament joining the government.
Mr Sopoanga says he is lobbying for numbers in parliament and there are indications that one opposition MP could cross the floor.
The opposition now holds a majority of eight members to the government's seven after recent by-elections in Naumea and Niutao.
The opposition leader, Amasone Kilei says he is ready to govern the country and that Mr Sopoanga should concede defeat and convene parliament to elect a new speaker.
Mr Sopoanga says MPs should be given time to return to their constituencies to decide on nominations for the speaker before parliament convenes.
The Prime Minister says he expects Mr Kilei to put forward a motion of no confidence when parliament sits.
