The race to become the next Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum is heating up, with three candidates in the race to head the regional group.
The latest to put his name forward is Henry Puna, last week announcing he'll stand down as Cook Islands prime minister to try and replace Dame Meg Taylor.
But that's angered Micronesian countries, with Palau president Tommy Remengesau saying it's the north Pacific's turn to have a secretary-general.
There's something of an informal agreement in the forum, that stints will be rotated between Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.
Palau, the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Kirbati have said they'll support the Micronesian candidate, Marshallese diplomat Gerald Zackios.
But when that vote might actually happen is up in the air - with the current forum chair, Tuvalu prime minister Kausea Natano, asking members to consider delaying a decision until next year.
Our correspondent in Palau is Bernadette Carreon. Jamie Tahana asked her why Mr Natano is asking for this.
The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dame Meg Taylor. Photo: RNZ / Jamie Tahana
