Politics of Kiribati

Last updated

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.

Contents

Executive branch

After each general election, the new-elected Maneaba ni Maungatabu (House of Assembly) nominates not less than three nor more than four of its own members to stand as candidates for President (Beretitenti). The voting public then elects the Beretitenti from among these candidates. On 22 June 2020, for the first election ever since 1979 Independence, two candidates only have been nominated — unless Section 32(2) of the Constitution writes “not less than 3”. On 17 June 2020, Judgment of Sir John Muria, the Chief Justice on Civil Case 56, allowed this reading of the Constitution. The elected Beretitenti appoints a Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti (vice-president) and up to ten other Cabinet Ministers from among the members of the Maneaba.

Main office holders
OfficeNamePartySince
President Taneti Maamau Tobwaan Kiribati Party 11 March 2016
Vice President Teuea Toatu Tobwaan Kiribati Party 19 June 2019

Cabinet

The Cabinet is the top decision-making body in Kiribati, through which all functions of the government get their authority. Parliament can undo Cabinet decisions through a vote of no confidence, triggering a new election.

The current Cabinet consists of the following Ministers:

Cabinet of Kiribati (since 2 July 2020)
OfficeOfficeholder
Beretitenti and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Taneti Maamau
Vice President and Minister of Finance and Economic DevelopmentDr Teuea Toatu
Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) Willie Tokataake
Minister of Education Alexander Teabo
Minister of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) Ruateki Tekaiara
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development Ribanataake Tiwau
Minister of Health and Medical ServicesDr Tinte Itinteang
Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA) Boutu Bateriki
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) Booti Nauan
Minister for Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs (MWYSSA) Martin Moreti
Minister of Employment and Human Resources (MEHR) Taabeta Teakai
Minister for Line and Phoenix Islands Development Mikarite Temari
(sworn in on 6 August 2020)
Minister of Justice (MOJ) Tarakabu Tofinga
(sworn in on 16 July 2020)
Minister of Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) Tekeeua Tarati

The first nine ministers sworn in on 2 July 2020 at the State House in Bairiki (South Tarawa) and include Dr Teuea Toatu, Willie Tokataake, Ruateki Tekaiara, Ribanataake Awira, Dr Tinte Itinteang, Boutu Bateriki, Booti Nauan, Martin Moreti and Taabeta Teakaiao.

The remaining four ministers who are stranded in the outer islands, at their respective island, which include Alexander Teabo, Tarakabu Martin, Tekeeua Tarati and Mikarite Temari, have been sworn later.

Attorneys-General of Kiribati

In Kiribati, the Attorney-General is defined by section 42 of the Constitution as "the principal legal adviser to the Government." [1] The Constitution specifies: "No person shall be qualified to hold or to act in the office of Attorney-General unless he is qualified to practise in Kiribati as an advocate in the High Court."

The Attorney-General of Kiribati [1] was also until October 2016 a member of Cabinet of Kiribati and a member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu as an ex-officio member of parliament. According to a 2005 source, the Attorney-General "is designated by the Republic of Kiribati as the Central Authority who shall have the responsibility and power to receive requests for mutual legal assistance." [2]

Attorneys-General of Kiribati (Complete Table)
NameYears of Service
C.J. (Joe) Lynch c. 1978-1979
Michael Jennings [3] [4] c. 1980-1984
Michael N. Takabwebwe [5] [6] [7] c. 1984-2002
Titabu Tabane [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] c. 2002-2016
Natan Teewe Brechtefeld [13] [14] 2016
Tetiro Semilota [15] (1st I-Kiribati female)October 2016-October 2022

Legislative branch

Maneaba ni Maungatabu, in Ambo (2000) KiribatiParliamentHouse.jpg
Maneaba ni Maungatabu, in Ambo (2000)
The former House of Assembly, at Bairiki Kiribati House of Assembly.jpg
The former House of Assembly, at Bairiki

In a Westminster system, the unicameral House of Assembly (Maneaba ni Maungatabu) has 45 members: 44 elected in single-seat and multi-seat constituencies; one appointed member from the Banaban community on Rabi Island in Fiji. The Attorney general was no longer an ex officio member. The elected members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu serve four-year terms. The Speaker of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu is elected by the members of the Maneaba from outside of its membership. The total number of the Legisters is forty four from the island in Kiribati and one representative nominated from Rabi Council representing the people in Rabi island in Fiji.

All citizens of Kiribati are eligible to vote at the age of 18.

Judiciary

The Chapter VI of the Constitution of 1979 describes the Judiciary of Kiribati. The judicial system consists of magistrates' courts, the High Court and the Kiribati Court of Appeal. The Beretitenti (President), acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission, makes all judicial appointments, and amongst them, the Chief Justice, the main judge of the High Court. The High Court is in Betio. Sir John Muria was the Chief Justice of Kiribati until his replacement by Bill Hastings in August 2021, after a 8 months vacancy. On 30 June 2022, Hastings was abruptly suspended from his office during the 2022 Kiribati constitutional crisis.

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, England has jurisdiction only if a case involves constitutional rights. Appeals are taken directly to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council itself.

The Court of Appeal of Kiribati is otherwise the supreme court in Kiribati.

The People's Lawyer of Kiribati

The People's Lawyer of Kiribati represents disadvantaged residents and those who are unable to access legal representation. Accordingly, the office represents clients in "Land, Civil and Criminal Matters and act for them in the Magistrates and High Court as well as the Court of Appeal." The position had long been filled by expatriate lawyers who were volunteering from either Australia or New Zealand with the "role...funded by the Australian Government through [the] Australian Volunteers International." [16] [17] In 2015, the role of The People's Lawyer changed in that it was now filled by a Kiribati citizen: Raweita Beniata (male lawyer; 2015- ). [18] [19]

The People's Lawyer of Kiribati (Incomplete Table)
NameTerm
Roger Bell (who established the office) [20] [21] [22] c. 1980-1982
Michael Lodge [23] [24] c. -1986
David Lambourne [25] c. 1995-1999
Jackie Huston [26] c. 2003-2004
Jennifer Troup [27] c. 2004-2006
Joelle Grover [28] [29] c. 2006-2007
Aomoro Amten [30] [31] c. 2007-2008
Daniel Webb [32] c. 2010-2011
Debrah Mercurio [33] [34] c. 2011-2012
Nancy Walker [35] [36]

Andrea Hadaway [37]

c. 2012-2013
Jessica McLaren [17] c. 2013-2015
Raweita Beniata [19] [38] (1st I-Kiribati male citizen)c. 2015-

Political conditions

Political parties have existed since 1965 but are more similar to informal coalitions in behaviour. They do not have official platforms or party structures. Most candidates formally present themselves as independents, then they joined one party at the first meeting of the House. The website of the House of Assembly explains that in this way: [39]

"There [were] four political parties in Kiribati, Boutokaan Te Koaua (BTK), Maurin Kiribati Party (MKP), Maneaban Te Mauri Party (MMP) and Kiribati Tabomoa Party. The parties are loose groupings rather than disciplined blocks, with little or no structure. Members may change allegiance on a number of occasions during their tenure. It is also common for members to vote according to the special interests of their electorate on certain issues."

Kiribati Tabomoa Party ("National Progressive Party") and Christian Democratic Party merged into Maneaban Te Mauri (MMP, "Protect the Maneaba") in 2003, which later merged with Kiribati Independent Party into Karikirakean Te I-Kiribati (KTK, "United Coalition Party") in 2010, which later merged with Maurin Kiribati Party (MKP) to form Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP), the only one facing Boutokaan Te Koaua (BTK, "Pillars of Truth").

A major source of conflict has been the protracted bid by the residents of Banaba Island to secede and have their island placed under the protection of Fiji. The government's attempts to placate the Banabans include several special provisions in the constitution, such as the designation of a Banaban seat in the legislature and the return of land previously acquired by the government for phosphate mining.

Political parties and elections

There is no solid tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati, even if the 2 first political parties were founded in 1965; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups with no formal platforms:

2020 presidential election

CandidatePartyVotes%
Taneti Maamau Tobwaan Kiribati Party 26,05359.32
Banuera Berina Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party 17,86640.68
Total43,919100.00
Valid votes43,91999.75
Invalid/blank votes1120.25
Total votes44,031100.00
Registered voters/turnout55,26879.67
Source: Ministry of Justice

2016 presidential election

CandidatePartyVotes%
Taneti Maamau Tobwaan Kiribati Party 19,83359.96
Rimeta Beniamina Pillars of Truth 12,76438.59
Tianeti Ioane Pillars of Truth 4821.46
Invalid/blank votes168–
Total33,247100
Registered voters/turnout
Source: Pina

2015-16 legislative election

PartyFirst roundSecond roundTotal
seats		+/–
Votes%SeatsVotes%Seats
Pillars of Truth 26+11
United Coalition Party 19
Maurin Kiribati Party
Elected Speaker––––––10
Invalid/blank votes––––––
Total1925460
Registered voters/turnout––––
Source: IPU

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ieremia Tabai</span> I-Kiribati politician

Ieremia Tienang Tabai is an I-Kiribati politician who served as the first president of Kiribati, after being the youngest ever chief minister of the Commonwealth of Nations and then becoming the youngest ever head of State. During his presidency, he was described as being the most able leader of the Pacific island states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elections in Kiribati</span>

Elections in Kiribati are held every 4 years or, earlier, after a no confidence vote. They consist in the national elections of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu from whom is then elected the Beretitenti, shortly after, by the people. They are also local elections of the Councils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pillars of Truth</span> Political party in Kiribati

Pillars of Truth was a political party in Kiribati, until 2020 when it merged with the Kiribati First Party to create the Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">President of Kiribati</span> Head of state and government of Kiribati

The president of Kiribati is the head of state and head of government of Kiribati.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">House of Assembly (Kiribati)</span>

The House of Assembly is the Legislature 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vice-President of Kiribati</span>

The vice-president of Kiribati is the deputy head of State of the Republic of Kiribati. His or her constitutional functions are to exercise the duties of the President of Kiribati, temporarily or permanently, should the latter be unable to do so, and to "be responsible for such business of the government as the Beretitenti [President] may assign to him".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Speaker of the House of Assembly (Kiribati)</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Kiribati parliamentary election</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taomati Iuta</span>

Taomati T. Iuta was an I-Kiribati politician. He was Speaker of the House of Assembly of Kiribati for the Ninth Parliament (2011–2015). He was the vice president of Kiribati from 1991 to 1994.

The honours system of Kiribati was established by the Kiribati National Honours and Awards Act 1989. This act created a system of awards to recognize exemplary, meritorious or distinguished service, "in, for, or to Kiribati". The awards are divided into two categories, civil and disciplined forces. Awards are conferred by the Beretitenti, upon the advice of the Cabinet. The awards are as follows in their order of precedence:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Judiciary of Kiribati</span>

The Judiciary of Kiribati is the branch of the Government of Kiribati which interprets and applies the laws of the country. In addition to the Constitution of Kiribati and the corpus of laws, the laws of Kiribati include customary law, which the courts must take into account when considering specified matters in criminal and civil proceedings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Coalition Party</span> Political party in Kiribati

The United Coalition Party, also known as the Improving I-Kiribati Welfare Party, was a political party in Kiribati.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taneti Maamau</span> President of Kiribati since 2016

Taneti Maamau is an I-Kiribati politician who has served as the sixth president of Kiribati since 11 March 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tessie Lambourne</span> Kiribati politician

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 the Republic of China (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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Kiribati parliamentary election</span> Most recent parliamentary election in Kiribati

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party</span> Kirbati political party

The Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party (BKM) is a political party in Kiribati from the merger of the Kiribati First Party and Boutokaan te Koaua in 2020.

Taberannang “Peter” Timeon is an I-Kiribati politician, member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu (parliament) for Tabiteuea North. Until 2013, he was member of the Cabinet of Kiribati. In mid-October 2013, he has resigned from Anote Tong’s government as Minister for Communications, Transport and Tourism, having been accused of receiving an excessive allowance payment. He is re-elected during the 2020 Kiribati parliamentary election. He was candidate for the Beretitenti during the February 2003 Kiribati presidential election.

Vincent Tong is a Kiribati politician and the elder son of Anote Tong, the President of Kiribati from 2003 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tekeeua Tarati</span> I-Kiribati politician

Tekeeua Tarati is an I-Kiribati politician and entrepreneur, Minister for Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism development since July 2020.

References

  1. 1 2 Publications, USA International Business (2015-06-08). Kiribati Foreign Policy and Government Guide. Int'l Business Publications. ISBN   9781433027680.{{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  2. ↑ "CHAPTER XVIII PENAL MATTERS 12. United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime" (PDF).
  3. ↑ "REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI / COUNCIL OF STATE ACT 1980 No. 6 of 1980 / AN ACT TO MAKE PROVISION IN RESPECT OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE". August 22, 1980.
  4. ↑ Paxton, J. (2016-12-15). The Statesman's Year-Book 1982-83. Springer. ISBN   9780230271111.
  5. ↑ Paxton, J. (2016-12-15). The Statesman's Year-Book 1984-85. Springer. ISBN   9780230271135.
  6. ↑ "REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI - International Committee of the Red Cross" (PDF). March 29, 1990.
  7. ↑ "REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI (No. 5 of 1997): AN ACT TO AUTHORISE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION OF MONIES OUT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 1997".
  8. ↑ "Kiribati legislation will enable government to close newspapers - IFEX". IFEX. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  9. ↑ "Commonwealth law ministers discuss climate change and cyber crime | Pacific Beat". www.radioaustralia.net.au. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  10. ↑ "Pacific Islands Law Officers' Network Annual Meeting Outcomes Report 11 – 12 November 2014, Kiribati" (PDF). 2014.
  11. ↑ "33rd PILON Annual Meeting (2014) Tarawa, Kiribati". 2014.
  12. ↑ "Mock session prepares Kiribati for report to UN Human Rights Council - Regional Rights Resource Team" . Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  13. ↑ "Kiribati gets new justice minister". Radio New Zealand. 2016-09-29. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  14. ↑ "New Kiribati cabinet ministers sworn in". Radio New Zealand. 2016-03-16. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  15. ↑ "Kiribati appoints first female Attorney-General". September 30, 2016 – via PressReader.
  16. ↑ "Our Services". People's Lawyer Kiribati. 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  17. 1 2 "Our Team". People's Lawyer Kiribati. 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  18. ↑ "Supporting the new Family Protection Act in Solomon Islands". www.australianvolunteers.com. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  19. 1 2 "AV Magazine Winter 2015". Issuu. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  20. ↑ Trease, Howard Van (1993). Atoll Politics: The Republic of Kiribati. editorips@usp.ac.fj. ISBN   9780958330008.
  21. ↑ "North stalwart steps up". NZ Herald. 2009-12-15. ISSN   1170-0777 . Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  22. ↑ "Judges — Courts of New Zealand". www.courtsofnz.govt.nz. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  23. ↑ Powles, Guy; Pulea, Mere (1988). Pacific Courts and Legal Systems. editorips@usp.ac.fj. ISBN   9789820200432.
  24. ↑ Pacific Islands Monthly: PIM. Pacific Publications. 1987.
  25. ↑ Publications, USA International Business (2015-06-08). Kiribati Foreign Policy and Government Guide. Int'l Business Publications. ISBN   9781433027680.{{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  26. ↑ "Faculty of Law - Common Law Section | University of Ottawa". Faculty of Law - Common Law Section. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  27. ↑ "Island ethos | News | Law Society Gazette". Law Society Gazette. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  28. ↑ "Island Sands to City Crimes: Pacific Island Youth in Crisis". Juvenile Justice Information Exchange. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  29. ↑ "Profile on: Joelle Grover | University of London International Programmes". w01.uolia.wf.ulcc.ac.uk. 2013-07-04. Archived from the original on 2018-03-11. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  30. ↑ Doing Business 2007: How to Reform. World Bank Publications. 2006-01-01. ISBN   9780821364895.
  31. ↑ "TA Law Firm - Kiribati - About Us". www.kiribatilegalservices.com.ki. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  32. ↑ "UWA Law graduate wins Victoria's Young Lawyer of the Year Award". News | The University Of Western Australia. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  33. ↑ "Doing Business 2012". Issuu. Retrieved 2018-03-12.
  34. ↑ Naylor, David (2011-10-18). October 2011: Needs Evaluation Survey for South Pacific Lawyer Associations - Final Report.
  35. ↑ "KIRIBATI COUNTRY REPORT 31 st MEETING OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS LAW OFFICERS' NETWORK 29 – 31st November 2012" (PDF). 2012.
  36. ↑ "KIRIBATI COUNTRY REPORT 32 nd MEETING OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS LAW OFFICERS' NETWORK5-6th November 2013" (PDF). 2013.
  37. ↑ "A word from…Talofa lava and welcome to this ninth issue of newSPLAsh" (PDF). South Pacific Lawyers Association. 9. 2014.
  38. ↑ Doing Business 2010: Reforming through Difficult Times. World Bank Publications. 2009-09-11. ISBN   9780821379653.
  39. ↑ "Political parties" Archived 2010-06-12 at the Wayback Machine , House of Assembly of Kiribati
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.