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2024 Kiribati parliamentary election

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2024 Kiribati parliamentary election

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19 August 2024 (second round)
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44 of the 45 seats in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu
23 seats needed for a majority
  First party Second party
 
Leader Taneti Maamau Tessie Lambourne
Party TKP BKM
Leader's seat Onotoa Abemama
Last election 22 22
Seats won 33 8
Seat change Increase 11 Decrease 14

Speaker before election

Tangariki Reete
BKM

Elected Speaker

Willie Tokataake
TKP

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]

Electoral system

[edit]

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]

Issues

[edit]

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]

Results

[edit]

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.

First round

[edit]

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]

Second round

[edit]

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.

By electoral district

[edit]

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

Abemama

[edit]

(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

Butaritari

[edit]

(2 seats)

Candidate Notes
Alexander Teabo* Elected unopposed
Tinian Reiher* Elected unopposed

Fanning (Tabuaeran)

[edit]

(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

Kiritimati (includes Kanton)

[edit]

(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

Onotoa

[edit]

(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

Rural Tarawa (North Tarawa)

[edit]

(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

Tamana

[edit]

(1 seat)

Candidate Notes
Tekeeua Tarati* Elected unopposed

Tarawa Teinainano (South Tarawa)

[edit]

(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

Washington (Teraina)

[edit]

(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

Aftermath

[edit]

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]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Kiribati election: Voters head to second round of polling to determine who forms government". Radio New Zealand. 19 August 2024. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Kiribati". Pacific Women in Politics. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  3. ^ Anthony, Kelvin (14 August 2024). "Kiribati polls open: 'Hype is not as it is in other countries'". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 13 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Kiribati". Election Passport. Archived from the original on 2 August 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Preliminary election results show tight race for urban seats in Kiribati". Radio New Zealand. 17 August 2024. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Kiribati's pro-China government faces test as election begins". The Guardian. 14 August 2024. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  7. ^ Wiseman, Don (14 August 2024). "Kiribati elections 2024 - what we know". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 13 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  8. ^ a b Mccready, Alastair. "Kiribati votes in key election after years of turbulence". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  9. ^ a b Wiseman, Don (31 July 2024). "114 candidates to contest Kiribati election, including 18 women". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 3 August 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  10. ^ "Kiribati elections unofficial results: 'It is all community level effort where we ask each other'". Radio New Zealand. 15 August 2024. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  11. ^ "General Election Results". Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs. 15 August 2024. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Untitled". Facebook. 17 August 2024. Archived from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  13. ^ "Kiribati election: Voters head to second round of polling to determine who forms government". Radio New Zealand. 19 August 2024. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  14. ^ a b "NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS 2024". Facebook. 20 August 2024. Archived from the original on 20 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  15. ^ "Kiribati speaker says election loss a 'blessing in disguise'". Radio New Zealand. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  16. ^ Wiseman, Don; Anthony, Kelvin (21 August 2024). "Kiribati elections results: a record 5 women elected into 45-seat parliament". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  17. ^ "Notice for 1st sitting of the 13th Maneaba ni Maungatabu". Facebook. 13 August 2024. Archived from the original on 20 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  18. ^ "Elections Act 2019 (Schedule 1)". PacLII. Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Kiribati's pro-China government bars foreign officials from visiting until 2025, citing elections". Associated Press. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  20. ^ Wiseman, Don (14 September 2024). "Taneti Maamau in pole position to be president again as Kiribati's lawmakers choose speaker". RNZ Pacific. Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  21. ^ Wiseman, Don (24 September 2024). "Tessie Lambourne claims Kiribati 'now a one-party state', takes aim at Taneti Maamau's leadership". RNZ Pacific. Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  22. ^ Don, Wiseman (29 September 2024). "Kiribati to vote for president on 25 October". RNZ Pacific. Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.