Palau, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia are pointing the finger at the likes of New Zealand and Australia, accusing them of influencing the vote that resulted in their candidate being snubbed for the forum's top job. Today The Detail's Jessie Chiang talks to RNZ Pacific news editor, Koro Vaka'uta, about why the leadership vote was about so much more than just a position; and what the Micronesian absence could mean. "Since 1971 there's only been one Micronesian representative as secretary general," he says. The Forum has “managed to reach consensus on this position all but one time ... but this vote it was so close nine to eight in favour of the Cook Islands' Henry Puna."