Tuvalu has sworn in a new governor general, the Speaker of Parliament, Faimalaga Luka.
As Head of State, the Queen gave her approval for his appointment last week.
The encumbent completed his fifth year in the post this week and presided over the ceremony as the Prime Minister Saufatu Sopoaga explains:
"Swearing was carried out yesterday, presided over by the outgoing governor general, Sir Dr Tomasi Pupua and now he's been installed as governor general."
Mr Sopoaga says the appointment means a by-election will now be held, hopefully in the middle of next month.
But he says this means parliament won't now be reconvened until November.
Mr Sopoaga says he's confident the by-election will be won by an MP that supports the government giving the Prime Minister a one seat majority in parliament.
