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Parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati in 2024 to elect members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, with the first round held on 14 August and the second on 19 August. [1]
Of the 45 members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, 44 are elected in 23 single and multi-member electoral districts (seven with one seat, eleven with two seats, and five with three seats) using a modified two-round system. [2] The 45th member of the legislature is nominated by the Banaban community resident on Rabi Island in Fiji. [3]
A voter has as many votes to cast as the number of seats in their electoral district. In the first round, a candidate is elected if they receive more than 50% of the ballots cast. [2] When not all seats are filled, a second round is held with the number of candidates being equal to the number of seats remaining to be filled plus two, with those who received the fewest votes in the first round being eliminated. In the second round, voters have as many votes to cast as there are vacancies remaining. The top candidates are elected even if they do not receive a majority. A tie in the second round results in a third round of voting. [4]
For the 2024 election, there are nearly 53,000 registered voters. [5]
Among issues prominent during the election were inflation, rising sea levels, public spending, the national debt, and relations with China. [6] [7] In 2019 Kiribati President Taneti Maamau ended the nation's longstanding diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, instead recognizing the People's Republic of China. This caused a rift within his own government which resulted in the fiercely fought election in 2020. This switch has strained relations between Kiribati and various Pacific nations, as well as Australia, Kiribati's long-time traditional trade partner. This was coupled with Maamau withdrawing Kiribati from the Pacific Islands Forum claiming that the organization was no longer serving Kiribati's interests. Senior opposition figure Banuera Berina, who split from Maamau's Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) due to the Chinese issue, called the nation's relationship with the PRC as "not healthy for the country". Additionally, Rimon Rimon, a local investigative journalist, described the island nation as "a landscape of fear" as Maamau and the TKP have created a political system dominated by personal patronage over party affiliation, where those with close ties to the government find it far easier to win elections due to being allocated government resources. [8]
The Maamau-led government has partnered with the PRC on a series of infrastructure projects to boost the island's fishing and tourism industries, as well as letting the PRC rebuild a World War II-era American airbase on Kanton, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Fiji. In 2021 Maamau abolished the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, opening the area up for more PRC fishing vessels. Opposition candidates have also accused the TKP of being financially backed by the PRC, claiming that the PRC is funneling money into political coffers to prevent a change in the nation's leadership. In an effort to weaken the opposition, in August 2022 Maamau sought to deport High Court justice David Lambourne, husband of Leader of the Opposition Tessie Eria Lambourne. This move was initially blocked by Kiribati’s Court of Appeal. By September 2022 Maamau's attacks on the Judiciary had resulted in the suspension of Chief Justice William Hastings and all Court of Appeal judges, in a move that has been labeled as democratic backsliding and as autocratic. [8]
 | This section is missing information about political party affiliation (if applicable).(August 2024) |
A total of 114 people ran in the election, of which 18 were women. [9] Out of the 44 seats to be contested, four candidates were declared elected unopposed at the close of nominations on 24 July 2024 - Tinian Reiher and Alexander Teabo from Butaritari, Bootii Nauan from South Tabiteuea and Tekeeua Tarati from Tamana. [9] All four were incumbents, with three (Alexander, Bootii and Tekeeua) being Ministers in the outgoing TKP government.
By 16 August, the full results for the first round were released, with the outcomes broadcast locally and online by Radio Kiribati. Of the 44 seats, 25 seats were decided and 19 seats (across 12 electoral districts) will require a second round on 19 August. President Taneti Maamau comfortably retained his seat in Onotoa. Six members lost their seats, including Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Willie Tokataake in Abemama. Three women were elected, including Leader of the Opposition in the last Parliament, Tessie Eria Lambourne, in Abemama. [10] Seven women will contest the second round in five electoral districts (Arorae, Betio, Fanning (Tabuaeran), North Tabiteuea and Tarawa Teinainano). If voting trends from the first round continue through to the second round, Kiribati could have as many as seven women in the new Parliament, which would be a record number. Late on 15 August the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs (under which the Electoral Commission sits) published official results for the first round elections in all but the Tarawa Teinainano electoral district. [11] On 17 August the Office of the President published a full list of the results on its official Facebook page. [12]
Voting commenced at 7:00am and continued until 6:00pm. [13] All results had been declared by 1:30pm in Tarawa on 20 August. Eight more members lost their seats, including Minister for Culture and Internal Affairs, Boutu Bateriki in Rural Tarawa, and Minister for Labour and Human Resources Development, Taabeta Amuera Teakai in Tarawa Teinainano. Also unseated was former Vice-President Teima Onorio, who had represented Arorae since 1998. The Speaker of the outgoing Parliament, Tangariki Reete, regained her seat in Betio. 'Father of the House', Ieremia Tabai, was elected to serve his 12th term as one of the two members from Nonouti. For the first time the Parliament will have a husband and wife as members, with Lavinia Teatao Teem from Abaiang and Jacob Teem representing Kiritimati. On 20 August the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs published a full list of the results on its official Facebook page. [14]
In summary, 27 members retained their seats. Sixteen members were elected to Parliament for the first time, including three female members. Tangariki Reete returns to Parliament after losing her Betio seat in 2020. [15] A total of five women were elected to the new Parliament, a record for Kiribati. Fourteen members of the outgoing Parliament lost their seats, including three TKP Ministers. [16] With nearly 53,000 registered voters, the first round saw an overall turn-out of 87.14%. The turn-out for the second round was 83.52%.[ citation needed ]
The new Parliament will sit for the first time on 13 September 2024. [17] After being sworn in, members will elect a new Speaker and determine the candidates for the presidential election. The presidential election is likely to take place in mid-October.
An asterisk (*) indicates an incumbent Member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, while an obelisk (†) indicates a female candidate. The names of the electoral districts are as prescribed in the relevant legislation. [18]
Sources: Office of the President [12] and Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs [14]
(3 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Lavinia Teatao Teem † | 1,445 | 52.83 | — | Elected | |
| Teuea Toatu * | 1,343 | 49.10 | 1,290 | 48.85 | Elected |
| Betero Atanibora * | 1,012 | 37.00 | 1,150 | 43.54 | Elected |
| Kautu Tenaua * | 1,080 | 39.49 | 1,060 | 40.14 | |
| Emil Tuuti | 635 | 23.22 | 613 | 23.21 | |
| Tokintekai Itimaroroa | 100 | 3.66 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 2,733 | 99.93 | 2,629 | 99.55 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 2 | 0.07 | 12 | 0.45 | |
| Total ballots cast | 2,735 | 100.00 | 2,641 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 3,155 | 86.69 | 3,155 | 83.71 | |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokaibure Rabaua | 1,068 | 56.42 | Elected | ||
| Tessie Eria Lambourne *† | 961 | 50.77 | Elected | ||
| Willie Tokataake * | 875 | 46.22 | |||
| Valid ballots | 1,891 | 99.89 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 2 | 0.11 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 1,893 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 2,068 | 91.54 | |||
(1 seat)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Moreti * | 406 | 60.87 | Elected | ||
| Tianeti Ioane | 192 | 28.79 | |||
| Toom Namron | 68 | 10.19 | |||
| Valid ballots | 666 | 99.85 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 1 | 0.15 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 667 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 729 | 91.50 | |||
(1 seat)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Niiti Itaaka | 188 | 38.29 | 254 | 51.42 | Elected |
| Koru Tionee Tebakabo | 195 | 39.71 | 223 | 45.14 | |
| Teima Onorio *† | 107 | 21.79 | 17 | 3.44 | |
| Valid ballots | 490 | 99.80 | 494 | 100.00 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 1 | 0.20 | 0 | 0.00 | |
| Total ballots cast | 491 | 100.00 | 494 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 522 | 94.06 | 522 | 94.64 | |
(1 seat)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tibanga Taratai * | 143 | 70.44 | Elected | ||
| Pelenise Alofa Maike Pilitati † | 60 | 29.56 | |||
| Valid ballots | 203 | 100.00 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 0 | 0.00 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 203 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 219 | 92.69 | |||
(2 seats)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England Thomas Iuta * | 641 | 55.31 | Elected | ||
| Tawaria Komwenga | 603 | 52.03 | Elected | ||
| Bwatoromaio Kiritian * | 393 | 33.91 | |||
| Tetabo Nakara | 350 | 30.20 | |||
| Valid ballots | 1,159 | 100.00 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 0 | 0.00 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 1,159 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,190 | 97.39 | |||
(3 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Tangariki Reete † | 3,203 | 48.65 | 2,780 | 42.84 | Elected |
| Choy Freddy | 2,300 | 34.93 | 2,641 | 40.69 | Elected |
| Tinte Itinteang * | 2,276 | 34.57 | 2,602 | 40.09 | Elected |
| Kataaua Benjamin † | 2,526 | 38.37 | 2,509 | 38.66 | |
| Tebao Awerika * | 1,774 | 26.94 | 1,848 | 28.47 | |
| Botika Maitinnara † | 1,546 | 23.48 | — | ||
| Tirikai Tiraim | 262 | 3.98 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 6,580 | 99.94 | 6,487 | 99.95 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 4 | 0.06 | 3 | 0.05 | |
| Total ballots cast | 6,584 | 100.00 | 6,490 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 7,808 | 84.32 | 7,808 | 83.12 | |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | Notes |
|---|---|
| Alexander Teabo* | Elected unopposed |
| Tinian Reiher* | Elected unopposed |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Kaotitaake Kokoria | 665 | 63.09 | — | Elected | |
| Matanga Aran | 491 | 46.58 | 693 | 66.25 | Elected |
| Arawaia Tiira Redfern | 150 | 14.23 | 190 | 18.16 | |
| Rubeiti Eria † | 290 | 27.51 | 161 | 15.39 | |
| Marouea Kamraratu | 109 | 10.34 | — | ||
| Tewaaki Kobae * | 101 | 9.58 | — | ||
| Teraawati Kinta | 50 | 4.74 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 1,054 | 100.00 | 1,044 | 99.81 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 0 | 0.00 | 2 | 0.19 | |
| Total ballots cast | 1,054 | 100.00 | 1,046 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,099 | 95.91 | 1,099 | 95.18 | |
(3 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Mikarite Temari * | 2,157 | 60.79 | — | Elected | |
| Teribwa Taabe | 1,738 | 48.99 | 1,843 | 54.54 | Elected |
| Jacob Teem * | 1,640 | 46.22 | 1,594 | 47.17 | Elected |
| Bakaia Kiabo * | 958 | 27.00 | 1151 | 34.06 | |
| Kataebati Bwataua | 361 | 10.17 | 788 | 23.32 | |
| Rabaere Matai | 236 | 6.65 | — | ||
| Kaitibo Timon | 204 | 5.75 | — | ||
| Kaitama Toroto | 154 | 4.34 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 3,544 | 99.89 | 3,354 | 99.26 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 4 | 0.11 | 25 | 0.74 | |
| Total ballots cast | 3,548 | 100.00 | 3,379 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 3,835 | 92.52 | 3,835 | 88.11 | |
(1 seat)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Banuera Berina * | 283 | 44.15 | 325 | 50.47 | Elected |
| Tom Murdoch | 260 | 40.56 | 314 | 48.76 | |
| Moote Kabure | 93 | 14.51 | 0 | 0.00 | Withdrew |
| Valid ballots | 636 | 99.22 | 639 | 99.22 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 5 | 0.78 | 5 | 0.78 | |
| Total ballots cast | 641 | 100.00 | 644 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 678 | 94.54 | 678 | 94.99 | |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruta Teretia Babo † | 663 | 56.28 | Elected | ||
| Koraubati Remuera * | 595 | 50.51 | Elected | ||
| David Collins | 456 | 38.71 | |||
| Vincent Tong * | 323 | 27.42 | |||
| Valid ballots | 1,178 | 100.00 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 0 | 0.00 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 1,178 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,251 | 94.16 | |||
(2 seats)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinto Katia * | 632 | 63.52 | Elected | ||
| Auria Kitina | 626 | 62.91 | Elected | ||
| James Taom * | 316 | 31.76 | |||
| Bwaaio Borauea | 90 | 9.05 | |||
| Karea Paul Chen Baireti | 69 | 6.93 | |||
| Valid ballots | 994 | 99.90 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 1 | 0.10 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 995 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,098 | 90.62 | |||
(2 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Ruateki Tekaiara * | 824 | 59.80 | — | Elected | |
| Moannata Ientaake * | 679 | 49.27 | 773 | 56.59 | Elected |
| Burentoun Atanrika | 424 | 30.77 | 386 | 28.26 | |
| Tokantekai Bakineti | 261 | 18.94 | 204 | 14.93 | |
| Atunuea Tiree | 104 | 7.55 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 1,378 | 100.00 | 1,363 | 99.78 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 0 | 0.00 | 3 | 0.22 | |
| Total ballots cast | 1,378 | 100.00 | 1,366 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,512 | 91.14 | 1,512 | 90.34 | |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribanataake Tiwau * | 821 | 75.11 | Elected | ||
| Tauanei Marea * | 623 | 57.00 | Elected | ||
| Taitii Waitie | 399 | 36.51 | |||
| Joshua Tinga | 143 | 13.08 | |||
| Valid ballots | 1,092 | 99.91 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 1 | 0.09 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 1,093 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,128 | 96.90 | |||
(2 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Dennis Waysang | 782 | 56.02 | — | Elected | |
| Ieremia Tabai * | 592 | 42.41 | 570 | 43.02 | Elected |
| Atanteora Beiatau | 471 | 33.74 | 493 | 37.21 | |
| Karuaki Maritino Matia | 243 | 17.41 | 255 | 19.25 | |
| Miriah Waysang Kum Kee † | 194 | 13.90 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 1,396 | 100.00 | 1,318 | 99.47 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 0 | 0.00 | 7 | 0.53 | |
| Total ballots cast | 1,396 | 100.00 | 1,325 | 100 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,482 | 94.20 | 1,482 | 89.41 | |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Taberannang Timeon * | 1,084 | 59.17 | — | Elected | |
| Tarakabu Martin Tofinga * | 814 | 44.43 | 958 | 52.44 | Elected |
| Ruria Iteraera † | 500 | 27.29 | 762 | 41.71 | |
| Teabi Tekeaa | 321 | 17.52 | 103 | 5.64 | |
| Taoing Teaiwa Taoaba † | 73 | 3.98 | — | ||
| Bwereti Teriakai | 25 | 1.36 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 1,824 | 99.56 | 1,824 | 99.78 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 8 | 0.44 | 3 | 0.22 | |
| Total ballots cast | 1,832 | 100.00 | 1,827 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,992 | 91.97 | 1,992 | 91.72 | |
(2 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Taneti Maamau * | 688 | 82.79 | — | Elected | |
| Riteta Iorome | 313 | 37.67 | 367 | 44.11 | Elected |
| Taiaki Irata * | 281 | 33.81 | 360 | 43.27 | |
| Baraniko Eromanga | 146 | 17.57 | 101 | 12.14 | |
| Kouraiti Beniato | 75 | 9.03 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 829 | 99.76 | 828 | 99.52 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 2 | 0.24 | 4 | 0.48 | |
| Total ballots cast | 831 | 100.00 | 832 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 877 | 94.75 | 877 | 94.41 | |
(3 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Harry Tekaiti * | 1,826 | 50.33 | — | Elected | |
| Terieta Mwemwenikeaki * | 1,612 | 44.43 | 1,843 | 51.02 | Elected |
| Tonganibeia Buraieta Koakoa | 1,757 | 48.43 | 1,820 | 50.39 | Elected |
| Boutu Bateriki * | 1,243 | 34.26 | 1,405 | 38.90 | |
| Atarake T Natara | 425 | 11.71 | 147 | 4.07 | |
| Valid ballots | 3,621 | 99.81 | 3,578 | 99.04 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 7 | 0.19 | 34 | 0.96 | |
| Total ballots cast | 3,628 | 100.00 | 3,612 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 4,155 | 87.32 | 4,155 | 86.93 | |
(1 seat)
| Candidate | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bootii Nauan* | Elected unopposed |
(1 seat)
| Candidate | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tekeeua Tarati* | Elected unopposed |
(3 seats)
| Candidate | First round | Second round | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||
| Birimaka Tekanene | 3,211 | 25.48 | 5,670 | 46.97 | Elected |
| Tebuai Uaai * | 3,689 | 29.27 | 4,709 | 39.01 | Elected |
| Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing † | 3,410 | 27.06 | 4,667 | 38.66 | Elected |
| Taabeta Amuera Teakai *† | 3,227 | 25.61 | 4,587 | 38.00 | |
| Taoaba Kaiea * | 2,816 | 22.35 | 3,817 | 31.62 | |
| Harry Tong | 2,626 | 20.84 | — | ||
| Ngaina Roniti Teiwaki † | 1,104 | 8.76 | — | ||
| Natan Teewe | 1,019 | 8.09 | — | ||
| Ruatu Titaake | 982 | 7.79 | — | ||
| Akineti Moataake † | 918 | 7.28 | — | ||
| Tekeeua Kauongo | 566 | 4.49 | — | ||
| Baantarawa Ietimeta | 546 | 4.33 | — | ||
| Terabwena Taomati | 546 | 4.33 | — | ||
| Taabia Kabaua | 507 | 4.02 | — | ||
| Kairao Bauea | 349 | 2.77 | — | ||
| Ioane Kireon | 311 | 2.47 | — | ||
| Kaiboia Ubaitoi | 204 | 1.62 | — | ||
| Brock Neti | 197 | 1.56 | — | ||
| Beniera Kaitia | 161 | 1.28 | — | ||
| Erimeta Barako † | 149 | 1.18 | — | ||
| Ramanibina Titau † | 110 | 0.87 | — | ||
| Teweti Toare | 109 | 0.86 | — | ||
| Valid ballots | 12,591 | 99.91 | 12,069 | 99.98 | |
| Invalid/blank ballots | 11 | 0.09 | 3 | 0.02 | |
| Total ballots cast | 12,602 | 100.00 | 12,072 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 15,661 | 80.47 | 15,661 | 77.08 | |
(1 seat)
| Candidate | Votes | % | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bautaake Beia | 536 | 63.06 | Elected | ||
| Tione Teraoi Moy | 160 | 18.82 | |||
| Nantongo Timeon * | 149 | 17.53 | |||
| Valid ballots | 752 | 88.47 | |||
| Invalid/blank ballots | 98 | 11.53 | |||
| Total ballots cast | 850 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 903 | 94.13 | |||
On 22 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration announced that all scheduled diplomatic visits to the country were to be suspended or cancelled until 2025, citing concerns over their effect on the formation of a new government after the election and inability to accommodate visitors while the process was ongoing. [19]
With the ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party having won 33 of 45 seats, it was able to block the nomination of opposition candidates for president. The TKP nominated incumbent president Taneti Maamau, alongside others described as "dummy candidates." Maamau is expected to retain his position. [20] Opposition leader Tessie Lambourne decried the move, saying "Kiribati is now a one-party state." [21] The presidential election is scheduled for 25 October. [22]
Politics of Kiribati takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Beretitenti, President of Kiribati, is both the head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government, Beretitenti, and his cabinet, all MPs. Legislative power is exercised by the House of Assembly. The Judiciary of Kiribati is independent of the executive and the legislature. The Constitution of Kiribati, promulgated at independence on 12 July 1979, establishes the Republic of Kiribati as a sovereign democratic republic and guarantees the fundamental rights of its citizens and residents.
The president of Kiribati is the head of state and head of government of Kiribati.
The House of Assembly is the sole chamber of the Parliament of Kiribati. Since 2016, it has 45 members, 44 elected for a four-year term in 23 single-seat and multi-seat constituencies and 1 non-elected delegate from the Banaban community on Rabi Island in Fiji. From 1979 to 2016, the Attorney general was an ex officio member of the legislature, until a change of the constitution modified this provision.
The Cabinet of Kiribati is the cabinet of the government of the Republic of Kiribati.
The House of Assembly of Kiribati has a Speaker, a function adapted from the British Westminster model. The position was established in 1979 by article 71 of the Constitution, when the country became independent from the United Kingdom. It replaced the Speaker of the former House of Representatives existing since 1967, then known as Legislative Council in 1970 and House of Assembly since 1974.
Parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati on 21 and 28 October 2011. In the first round, exactly half of the 44 members of parliament were elected, with the remainder chosen in the proceeding run-off elections. 30 candidates were reelected, and four government ministers lost their seats. One seat had to go to a third round of elections due to two candidates tying in the second round. In the third round, Jacob Teem defended his seat against Rutio Bangao with just 27 votes difference.
Taneti Maamau is an I-Kiribati politician who has served as the fifth president of Kiribati since 11 March 2016. Maamau is a member of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party. His policies are targeted at strengthening Kiribati's weak economy and alleviating social issues. His government announced the Kiribati Vision for 20 Years (KV20), which plans to develop the tourism and fishing industries with aid from foreign investors.
Tessie Eria Lambourne is an I-Kiribati civil servant, diplomat and politician. She has been a member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu (Parliament) since April 2020. She was formerly Kiribati's Ambassador to Taiwan from June 2018 to September 2019 and Secretary to the Cabinet, the highest position in Kiribati's civil service, from August 2016 until June 2018.
Maere Tekanene is a former I-Kiribati politician, and part of the Pillars of Truth party, who was the Kiribati Member of Parliament for the South Tarawa constituency from 2011, and the Education Minister from 2012, until losing her seat at the 2015–16 parliamentary election.
Parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati in 2020 to elect members of the House of Assembly. The elections were originally planned on 7 April 2020, with a second round of voting to be held on 15 April 2020. However, in late March the Electoral Commission changed the voting date to 14 April 2020, with a second round on 21 April 2020.
Banuera Berina is a lawyer and a politician from Kiribati, representing Kuria in the House of Assembly. He was the opposition candidate in the 2020 Kiribati presidential election.
The Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party (BKM) was a political party in Kiribati from the merger of the Kiribati First Party and Boutokaan te Koaua in 2020.
The Ministry of Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) is a government ministry of Kiribati, headquartered in Betio, South Tarawa.
The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development is a government ministry of Kiribati, headquartered in Bikenibeu, South Tarawa.
Vincent Tong is a Kiribati politician and the elder son of Anote Tong, the President of Kiribati from 2003 to 2016.
Tekeeua Tarati is an I-Kiribati politician and entrepreneur, Minister for Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism development since July 2020.
A constitutional crisis began in Kiribati when the Cabinet of Kiribati suspended two of its High Court Justices. High Court Judge David Lambourne was suspended in May 2022 while Chief Justice Bill Hastings was suspended on 30 June 2022, both over allegations of misconduct. A Court of Appeal ruling upheld an earlier ruling of Chief Justice Hastings that the government acted unconstitutionally in not permitting David Lambourne to resume his duties as a High Court judge, and overturned the subsequent attempted deportation of Lambourne. In response, the government suspended all judges of the Kiribati Court of Appeal on 6 September 2022.
Events in the year 2024 in Kiribati.
Presidential elections were held in Kiribati on 25 October 2024, following parliamentary elections in August. Incumbent President Taneti Maamau of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party was re-elected with 55% of the vote.
Kaotitaake Kokoria is an I-Kiribati politician. He is a member of the House of Assembly serving since August 2024. He was a candidate for the 2024 Kiribati presidential election, and finished second place with 42% of the vote.
