Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: (1) The members to be elected for the respective constituencies are as
follows:(i) two members for Aiwo;(ii) two members for Anabar;(iii) two members for Anetan;(iv) two members for Boe;(v) two members for Buada;(vi) three members for Meneng;(vii) four members for Ubenide;(viii) two members for Yaren.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 34. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf)
Verified: 2019/06/25
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: "The constituencies are drawn from the 14 traditional Districts of Nauru. One
particular constituency combines three Districts, namely Anabar, Ijuw and
Anibare. Another constituency combines two Districts, namely, Ewa and Anetan.
The largest constituency of Ubenide comprises of four Districts, namely, Uaboe,
Nibok, Baitsi and Denigomodu."
Source: Report of the Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Mission to the April 2010 Nauru General Elections. (http://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Forum_Election_Observer_Report_Nauru_2010.pdf)
Verified: 2019/06/27
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) g . Other
Comments: Constituencies are designated in the Constitution along with the number of Parliamentary seats allocated to each. The constituencies and allocation of seats to each can be changed by Parliament.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 28 & Schedule 2. (http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf)
Verified: 2019/06/27
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: "There shall be a President of Nauru, who shall be elected by Parliament."
"Parliament shall elect a President (a) whenever the office of President is vacant; (b) at the first sitting of Parliament next following its dissolution..."
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 16. (http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf)
Verified: 2019/07/01
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: "There shall be a President of Nauru, who shall be elected by Parliament."
"Parliament shall elect a President (a) whenever the office of President is vacant; (b) at the first sitting of Parliament next following its dissolution..."
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 16. (http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf)
Verified: 2019/07/01
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: "There shall be a President of Nauru, who shall be elected by
Parliament."
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 16. (http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/28
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments:
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 26 & 28.(http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/28
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
b . Alternative Vote
Comments: Nauru employs a preferential voting system in which voters use numbers to mark their preferences on the ballot paper. Each preference marked is then assigned a voting value inversely proportional to the rank (e.g. the first choice is assigned 1 unit, the second choice 0.5 unit, the third choice 0.33 unit and so on). The total number of voting units each candidate receives is then totaled, and the candidates with the highest totals, equal to the number of seats to be filled in each constituency, are elected.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 84-85. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf)
Verified: 2019/07/01
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: Electoral Law governing national elections is derived partially from the Constitution as well as from a separate piece of legislation, The Electoral Act 2016 which provides the processes and procedures for elections and repeals the Electoral Act of 1965.
Source: Constitution 1968 (http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf), Electoral Act 2016 (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections d . Referendums
Comments: The Constitution covers national parliamentary elections as well as constitutional referenda. The Electoral Act 2016 provides a special provision for referenda.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 29-30 & 84 (http://www.naurugov.nr/media/21406/constitution_19.5.1968.pdf). Electoral Act 2016, Art. 108 (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
b . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
Comments: Voting is compulsory.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 54. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: First level disputes are made through a petition addressed to the Court of Disputed Elections, which is the Supreme Court.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 93-96. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: "The Electoral Commission has the general duty, responsibility and authority to formulate policy, the registration of voters for the election of members of Parliament and the conduct of elections in accordance with this Act".
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 6. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature h . No information available
Comments: "Parliament must ensure that the Electoral Commission is allocated sufficient resources from the national budget for the timely and effective performance of its duties and functions. "
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 12. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature h . No information available
Comments: "The submission of an Annual Report, which must include an audited statement of the Electoral Commission’s financial affairs for the year of the report to the Parliament concerning the operation of the Electoral Commission and may submit additional reports."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 11. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/01
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: "The Electoral Commissioner is appointed for a period of four years on terms and conditions approved by the Cabinet."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 15. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/02
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: "Subject to any decision of a Court, in the performance of its functions and in exercise of its powers, the Electoral Commission is not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 9. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/02
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Commission must consist of three members as follows:(a) the Electoral Commissioner appointed under section 14 who is the Chairperson; (b) the Deputy Electoral Commissioners of which there must be two appointed under section 24.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 4. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/02
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: (14) The Electoral Commissioner is appointed by the President, acting on the advice of the Cabinet, and exercises the responsibilities, functions, duties and powers conferred on him or her by this Act. A person is qualified for appointment as the Electoral Commissioner if he or she:
(a) is a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nauru and who possesses knowledge and experience relevant to
electoral laws, policy and systems and the conduct or administration of national elections; or
(b) has held senior leadership and management positions in Nauru or elsewhere and who is competent and has a proven record in the positions that he or she has held or has extensive knowledge of electoral laws, policy and systems, and relevant experience in the management, conduct or administration of national elections.
(24) There must be two Deputy Electoral Commissioners appointed by the President, acting on the advice of Cabinet. The Deputy Electoral Commissioners must be persons who have held senior management and administration positions and have knowledge and experience in electoral laws, policy and systems and the management, conduct or administration of national elections.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 14-24. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/02
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
b . Head of Government c . Executive
Comments: (14) The Electoral Commissioner is appointed by the President, acting on the advice of the Cabinet, and exercises the responsibilities, functions, duties and powers conferred on him or her by this Act. A person is qualified for appointment as the Electoral Commissioner if he or she:
(a) is a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nauru and who possesses knowledge and experience relevant to
electoral laws, policy and systems and the conduct or administration of national elections; or
(b) has held senior leadership and management positions in Nauru or elsewhere and who is competent and has a proven record in the positions that he or she has held or has extensive knowledge of electoral laws, policy and systems, and relevant experience in the management, conduct or administration of national elections.
(24) There must be two Deputy Electoral Commissioners appointed by the President, acting on the advice of Cabinet. The Deputy Electoral Commissioners must be persons who have held senior management and administration positions and have knowledge and experience in electoral laws, policy and systems and the management, conduct or administration of national elections.
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 14-24. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/02
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: "The Electoral Commission must ensure that voter information and education programmes are established and implemented from time
to time to assist voters in exercising their rights and for the effective conduct of the elections."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 6. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/05
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
c . Other
Comments: "The Electoral Commission must ensure that voter information and education programmes are established and implemented from time
to time to assist voters in exercising their rights and for the effective conduct of the elections."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 6. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/05
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: "The Electoral Commission must ensure that voter information and education programmes are established and implemented from time
to time to assist voters in exercising their rights and for the effective conduct of the elections."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 6. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
e . 20
Comments: Members of Parliament shall be elected in such manner as is prescribed by law, by Nauruan citizens who have attained the age of twenty years.
Source: Constitution, Art. 29.
Verified: 2019/07/05
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Members of Parliament shall be elected in such manner as is prescribed by law, by Nauruan citizens who have attained the age of twenty years.
Source: Constitution, Art. 29.
Verified: 2019/07/05
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: "The Electoral Commission has the general duty, responsibility and authority to formulate policy, the registration of voters for the election of members of Parliament and the conduct of elections in accordance with this Act"
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 6. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/11
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 38-39. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/05
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/07/08
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration
Comments: A candidate for legislative elections must be a Nauruan citizen and at least 20 years old, and registered to vote in the constituency for which he or she is running.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 30-31.
Verified: 2019/07/08
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Candidates can register to run as individuals. Parliament elects a president from among their members, with no political party requirement.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 16 & 30-31.
Verified: 2019/07/08
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
e . No information available
Comments: No provisions for public funding in constitution or electoral law.
Source: Constitution 1968; Electoral Act 2016.
Verified: 2019/07/08
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/07/08
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/07/08
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: "As soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer at each polling station must bring the locked ballot box from that polling station to the Electoral Commissioner"
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 81. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/08
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: "A candidate may submit a request in writing to the Electoral Commissioner to conduct a recount, with reasons for the request,
within 24 hours of the declaration of results"
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 90. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/10
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments: No provisions for free broadcast time or printed advertisement in Constitution or Electoral Law.
Source: Constitution 1968; Electoral Act 2019.
Verified: 2019/07/10
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
c . No
Comments: No reports of televised debates found.
Source:
Verified: 2019/07/11
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/07/11
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: There are no formal political parties in Nauru.
Source: Reports of the Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Mission to the April 2010 Nauru General Elections. (http://www.forumsec.org.fj/resources/uploads/attachments/documents/Forum_Election_Observer_Report_Nauru_2010.pdf)
Verified: 2019/07/11
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Referenda are held for Constitutional amendments.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 84.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Referenda required for Constitutional amendments.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 84.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Referenda are only conducted regarding Constitutional amendments.
Source: Constitution 1968, Art. 84.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No provisions for Citizen's Initiatives in the Constitutional or Electoral Law.
Source: Constitution 1968; Electoral Act 2016.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No provisions for Agenda Initiatives in the Constitutional or Electoral Law.
Source: Constitution 1968; Electoral Act 2016.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution 1968; Electoral Act 2016.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: Required for Constitutional amendments.
Source: Constitution, Art. 84.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 84.
Verified: 2019/07/11
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: No provisions for direct democracy in national electoral laws or Constitution.
Source: Constitution; Electoral Act 2016.
Verified: 2019/07/11
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: "a voter is not entitled to vote at a polling station other than a polling station in the District in which he or she is
registered."
Source: Electoral Law 2016, Act. 73.(http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/12
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: Possible for all citizens abroad.
Source: Electoral Act, as amended, Sec. 44; Report of the Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Mission to the April 2010 Nauru General Elections (http://www.forumsec.org.fj/resources/uploads/attachments/documents/Forum_Election_Observer_Report_Nauru_2010.pdf)
Verified: 2019/07/12
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
d . By proxy
Comments: "A voter who is unable to be in Nauru to vote on polling day may vote by proxy by applying to the Electoral Commissioner for proxy voting authorisation."
Source: Electoral Law 2016, Act. 73.(http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/12
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: "The voter must: (a) upon receipt of the ballot paper, retire to a polling booth; (b) mark his or her vote on the ballot paper in the way prescribed in section 74."
Source: Electoral Act 2016, Art. 73-74. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
Verified: 2019/07/12
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