no confidence motion

The motion was triggered by a series of defections from Mr Sogavare's coalition government late last month.

Beginning the debate, opposition MP Derek Sikua outlined to parliament his reasons for tabling the motion.

Dr Sikua said MPs had lost confidence in the prime minister because he wasn't listening to them any more.

He said Mr Sogavare has become suspicious of anyone who differs from his point of view.

The vote was triggered after a series of defections from Mr Sogavare's coalition, which has been in power since 2014.

It is not clear what has caused the defections, but some government supporters suggest it's in response to a proposed anti-corruption bill.

The opposition leader, Derek Sikua, is expected to spell out his reasons for the motion in parliament today.

The government and opposition have spent the past week battling to consolidate their numbers ahead of today's vote.

The broadcaster SIBC reports the Speaker of Parliament Ajilon Jasper Nasiu has received the motion from the Leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group Dr Derek Sikua.

No explanation has been given for the motion of no confidence, but Dr Sikua is expected to state his reasons for not having confidence in the Prime Minister when he moves the motion.

After a lengthy debate on the motion, which was put forward by opposition MP Semesa Karavaki, the motion was defeated with 28 votes against the motion, 11 votes in favour and 11 abstentions.

The 33 senators in the Nitijela voted 21-12 in favour of the motion, ending the shortest presidency in the history of Marshall Islands.

Mr Nemra, who was elected to the legislature in November, was inaugurated a week ago, after winning the presidency by a one-vote margin in the 33-seat parliament earlier this month.

Mr Nemra was only inaugurated a week ago, after winning the presidency by a one-vote margin in the 33-seat parliament earlier this month.

The opposition won a vote in parliament today for the motion to be put tomorrow.