WELLINGTON, New Zealand—A member of Nauru's government claimed victory Sunday for the ruling administration in a snap parliamentary election, but results couldn't be confirmed with the electoral office because communications to the mid-Pacific island were down.
Justice Minister Mathew Batsiua announced the results of Saturday's poll in an e-mail, President Marcus Stephen was expected to have a larger majority in the 18-seat Parliament.
Such a result would see Stephen ruling with at least a two-seat majority, ending a two-month parliamentary deadlock that prevented the passing of essential budget bills and held up investment projects in the once prosperous South Pacific island nation.
Stephen called the election April 18 after dissolving Parliament and declaring a state of emergency in a bid to tighten his grip on the government amid bitter squabbling with the opposition.
Batsiua's e-mailed statement said voters ousted three opposition lawmakers including opposition leader and former President Rene Harris.
No government member lost a seat in the poll, the statement said.
It said up to three newly elected lawmakers were believed likely to join government's ranks, possibly giving it 12 seats in the 18-member legislature.
Nauru's Electoral Office and the opposition could not be reached for confirmation, however, due to communications problems with the isolated island.
The justice minister said the election result was a resounding victory for the government.
"This more than vindicates the stand we have taken and now lets us get on with the job of governing for the people of Nauru, who have sent a clear message to the entire Parliament that they want political stability," the statement said.
It said former Speaker David Adeang -- who had led the fight against the government -- and his supporters "have paid the price for their total disregard and abuse of the parliamentary process."
Parliament will likely hold a session on Tuesday, when the final makeup of the House will be determined, Batsiua's statement said.
Nauru is about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. It has some 12,500 people living on an island of just 8 square miles.
Its population of about 12,500 had one of the world's highest per capita incomes about 25 years ago, when it was a major supplier of phosphates used mainly in fertilizers. But the country's fortunes dwindled as its phosphate reserves ran out. Poor economic management worsened the situation.
The country recently resumed exporting phosphate, but inhabitants rely heavily on fishing and domestic gardens for income.
