Nauru: Incumbent president likely to win second term

On 11 October, Nauru will hold a routine general election. A referendum will also be held on extending terms for members of parliament from three years to four. Parliament was dissolved on 26 September after completion of the government’s full term with incumbent President, David Adeang, seeking a second term. During his first term, President Adeang switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, and in August, a deal was signed with a Chinese company reportedly worth $AUD1billion. President Adeang also signed a treaty with Australia in late 2024, which in part allows Australia to veto actions by Nauru that affect national security and also provides budgetary assistance.

Assessment: Parliament elects the country’s President and a two-thirds majority is required for the referendum proposition to pass. The incumbent President, David Adeang, is likely to win a second term due to his perceived ability to keep improving the economic well-being of Nauru residents and lack of ongoing domestic controversies.

Sources: Stephen Dziedzic, Iris Zhao, and Hugo Hodge, “Mysterious Chinese billion-dollar proposed deal in Nauru sparks concern in Canberra,” RNZ, August 20, 2025, 2025; “Nauruans to head to the polls on 11 October,” RNZ, September 29, 2025; “Nauru election week begins with music festival and beauty pageant,” RNZ, October 6, 2025.