Research by Nauru's recently-established Electoral Commission has prompted the government to abandon a huge increase in the nomination fee for candidates wanting to stand in the upcoming election on July 9.
ABC reports the government had wanted to increase the fee from $100 (US$48) to $2,000(US$1,473) in a move criticised by opposition MPs and prospective candidates as being undemocratic.
But it abandoned the move last week after a submission by the Electoral Commission, and the fee has been set at $500 (US$368) instead.
It's been a busy time for the Commission after it was established earlier this year and the upcoming poll will be the first to be run by an independent statutory body.
The Electoral Commissioner, Joseph Cain, told ABC he determined the proposed fee hike was excessive after comparing it to those in other Pacific countries.
And a reminder that Nauruans have until Saturday to register to vote.....