2 Jul 2013

Parliament needs one yearly meeting only says defiant Tuvalu PM

1:36 pm on 2 July 2013

The Prime Minister of Tuvalu says he is not delaying reconvening Parliament as it is within his rights to call only one session a year.

An opposition member, Taukelina Finikaso, says the government has not called Parliament since December to avoid a motion of no confidence.

Mr Finikaso says last Friday's by-election win means the opposition, led by Enele Sopoaga, now has eight seats, while the government has seven seats.

But the Prime Minister, Willy Telavi, says the consitution states that Parliament only needs to be called once every 12 months and says he should not be questioned until after that time period.

Mr Telavi says he has consulted with the Governor General, Sir Iaokoba Italeli, and is meeting him for more advice today.