Nauru opposition MP Mathew Batsiua. Photo: Supplied
A group of 18 prospective candidates in Nauru's upcoming general elections has lodged a challenge in the Supreme Court against recent changes to the country's election laws.
The government hiked the nomination fee from $US143 to $USA1,436.
A senior opposition member who was suspended from parliament last year for taking part in a protest, Mathew Batsiua, says the government is doing everything possible in its power to tilt the election in its favour.
He says the fee hike is unconstitutional.
A lawyer and minority female candidate, Gabrissa Hartman, is a co-plaintiff in the legal action and stressed the significance of the challenge, saying it's a necessary step to protect democracy in Nauru.
