Two major issues in the election were the Falepili Union treaty, which requiries both Tuvalu and Australia to "mutually agree" Tuvalu's foreign security arrangements in exchange for allowing Tuvaluans displaced by climate change to immigrate to Australia, and the country's diplomatic recognition of Taiwan within the context of great power competition between the United States and China for influence in the region.

A significant factor of the treaty grants a pathway for 280 citizens of Tuvalu to migrate to Australia each year to enable climate-related mobility for Tuvaluans.

[18] However, former Prime Minister Sopoaga claimed the Falepili Union would undermine the country's sovereignty and vowed to repeal it should he head a government again after the election.

[4][17] Sopoaga emphasised the sensitivity of conserving the sovereignty of the Pacific Island nations amidst a period where bigger countries, such as the United States and China, are competing for influence in the region.

[26] Significant changes to the composition of the parliament included the incumbent Prime Minister Kausea Natano and Puakena Boreham – the only female member of the legislature – losing their seats.

[26][27][28][29] The former Governor General Sir Iakoba Italeli was elected as an MP along with Feleti Teo, the former Executive Director of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

[28][5][30] No candidates contested the sitting MPs Seve Paeniu, who was the finance minister, and Namoliki Sualiki in the electorate of Nukulaelae, so they were automatically returned to parliament.

[26][25] After the results are released, ships were sent to pick up winning candidates in order for them to assemble in the capital Funafuti,[31] although dangerous sea conditions delayed their travel.

[32][33][34][35] Election commissioner Tufoua Panapa said that the members of the new parliament would convene to vote for a prime minister, at a time notified by the governor general.

[23] Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade responded to the concerns about the Falepili Union by saying the treaty “recognises that the statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu will continue”.