[7] Three months later, in December, he supported Willy Telavi's successful attempt to oust the Toafa government in a motion of no confidence.
[8][9] The following month, in January 2011, a number of his constituents demanded his resignation, reportedly displeased with the fact that he had joined the Telavi government.
[10] A peaceful protest march to demand that he step down took place in Funafuti, resulting in the Telavi government declaring a state of emergency and temporarily prohibiting any gathering of ten or more people.
[15] The calling of a by-election for Nukufetau was delayed until the High Court of Tuvalu ordered the Prime Minister to issue a notice of elections five days after the judgment, which was delivered on 29 May 2013.
[16] The election was eventually held on 28 June; Opposition candidate Elisala Pita won with more than two-thirds of the vote.