Kiribati parliamentary election, 2015–16

Parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati on 30 December 2015 and 7 January 2016.^[1]

Electoral system

The 46 member of the House of Assembly include 44 elected in 23 single- and multi-member constituencies using the two-round system,^[2] one elected by the Rabi Council of Leaders,^[3] and a Speaker was elected after the elections from outside the House of Assembly.^[4]

Results

Of the 44 seats, 19 were won in the first round and 25 went to a run-off.^[5] In the first round, incumbent minister Tom Murdoch lost his seat.^[6] In the run-off, Labour Minister Martin Moreti and Environment Minister Tiarite Kwong lost their seats. Former President Teatao Teannaki also lost his seat on Abaiang. However, former presidents Ieremia Tabai and Teburoro Tito retained their seats.^[5]

On Onotoa, Kouraiti Beniato retained his seat, while on Maiana new MPs David Collins and Kaure Baabo were elected; In North Tarawa, two new MPs, Atarake Natara and Emile Schutz, were elected, while Nabuti Mwemwenikarawa, former leader of Maurin Kiribati and candidate for president, lost; on Kiritimati, Kirata Temwamwaka and Jacob Teem were elected; while Uriam Tirae Iabeta won her Teraina seat in the Line and Phoenix Group.^[5]

Party	First round			Second round			Total seats	+/–
	Votes	%	Seats	Votes	%	Seats
Pillars of Truth							26	+11
United Coalition Party							19
Maurin Kiribati Party
Elected Speaker	–	–	–	–	–	–	1	0
Invalid/blank votes		–	–		–	–	–	–
Total			19			25	46	0
Registered voters/turnout			–			–	–	–
Source: IPU

References

1. Voter registration closes in Kiribati Radio New Zealand, 17 December 2015
2. Electoral system IPU
3. Kiribati Election Passport
4. Last elections IPU
5. More Kiribati ministers lose seats Radio New Zealand, 8 January 2016
6. Kiribati getting ready for second round of elections Radio New Zealand, 5 January 2016