Inside, outside: the vibrancy of our democracy in Kiribati

By Tearinaki Tanielu and Beretitara Neeti

As I-Kiribati sit by their radio and e-radios, awaiting the announcement of the elections to see who they have elected as their leaders and their government, it is an opportune time to celebrate the vibrancy of our democracy. Elections are the vibrant heartbeat of democracy. They embody the principles of freedom, equality, and participation, offering every I-Kiribati the chance to shape the future of their nation. By casting our vote, and getting our thumbs marked by ink, we celebrate our right to be heard, to choose our leaders, and to influence the future of our nation. The beauty of elections lie in its capacity to unite us in our diversity, reminding us that our individual choices contribute to the shared destiny of Kiribati.

Despite the occasional grunt (laptop coming late while people in queue, miscommunications, ID issues, etc), the election ballots have closed. Many have expressed frustration for inefficiency on social media, but have resigned that the electoral office and responsible staff must continue to learn and adapt for the better.

Still, there is much to celebrate. As Van Trease (1980) and other authors have described, as a post-colonial State, Kiribati has undergone a number of transformations, in the exercise of its right to self-determination .

In 1963, an Executive Council with four official and four unofficial members, appointed by the Resident Commissioner, was established. This was later replaced by a 23-member House of Representatives with limited legislative powers. In 1971, a legislative council replaced this House, consisting of ex-officio, public service members, and 28 elected representatives. In 1974, internal self-government was introduced with a House of Assembly of 3 ex-officio members and 21 elected members. A Constitutional Convention in 1977 led to the election of the first Beretitenti on 1 February 1978, and the birth of the Republic of Kiribati on 12 July 1979.

Since then, five distinguished I-Kiribati have served as Beretitenti, the Head of Government and State of the Republic of Kiribati. Each Beretitenti was supported by dedicated members of Te Maneaba ni Maungatabu (Parliament), elected to represent their constituencies. This journey of evolution and change is ongoing, as our nation continues to recalibrate from the structures and policies inherited from colonial rule.

Election process

In Kiribati, national elections occur every four years, or earlier if dissolved by a no-confidence vote. The Maneaba, a single-chamber legislature, has 44 elected members chosen through the first-past-the-post system. Elections meet international standards for transparency . Voters also elect the Beretitenti (President) directly. The Maneaba selects the Beretitenti candidates from 3 to 4 nominated members, and the Beretitenti forms the cabinet from elected Maneaba members. The Speaker, elected by Maneaba members, does not vote.

Voting

In Kiribati, each ward has its own voter register, and residents must apply in person to be registered, with no double registration allowed. Registration times are announced locally, and officers may bring registers to the public in some districts. Only registered individuals can vote, with voting hours from 7am to 6pm. Voters must present themselves to the presiding officer at their ward's polling station to receive a ballot paper. In multi-seat districts, voters can cast votes for up to the number of vacant seats. Ballots are marked in private and placed in a sealed box. Vote counting begins immediately after polls close, with the electoral officer collecting and counting votes, and publishing results.

Election of Te Beretitenti

Nominations for candidates for the presidential election are made in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu from amongst its elected members. The law requires that there must be at least three and no more than four candidates. If there are more than four nominations, voting takes place among the members by secret ballot. There shall be two rounds of voting in which each member shall cast not more than a vote from among the candidates, and a member who is in the ballot may vote for himself.

The 2024 Election candidates

The 2024 election has seen a total of 109 candidates running across various electoral districts in Kiribati. The gender distribution indicates 93 male candidates and only 16 female candidates contesting the election.

District-Level Breakdown:

In summary, the candidate distributions across various districts are as follows: In Makin, all five candidates are male. Butaritari has two male candidates running, with the election being uncontested. Marakei also features five male candidates. In Abaiang, out of six candidates, five are male and one is female. The Tarawa Urban Council (TUC) has the largest pool with 22 candidates, consisting of 16 males and 6 females. Betio Town Council (BTC) presents seven candidates, with four males and three females. Eutan Tarawa Council (ETC) has five male candidates. Maiana's election includes four candidates: three males and one female. Kuria and Aranuka each have three male candidates. Abemama's race features three candidates, with two males and one female. Nonouti has five candidates, consisting of four males and one female. In Tabiteuea North, six candidates are running: four males and two females. Tabiteuea South has one male candidate running uncontested. Onotoa has five male candidates. Both Beru and Nikunau districts have four male candidates each. Tamana's election includes one male candidate running uncontested. Arorae has three candidates, with two males and one female. Banaba has two candidates: one male and one female. Kiritimati features eight male candidates. Tabuaeran has seven candidates, including six males and one female. Lastly, Teraina has three male candidates.

Key observations- a short commentary

Unopposed elections

An intriguing observation from the 2024 elections in Kiribati is the unopposed election of leaders in three electoral districts, two from the southern region of the Gilbert Islands Group, and one island in the North. Unopposed elections are provided in our Laws, and the Laws of most Commonwealth nations. And whilst this may have been the first recorded event in our nation's modern political history, it is a well-known customary practice by our I-Tungaru ancestors, reflecting a deep cultural undercurrent where power is expressed through silence. In the case of these 3 islands, Butaritari, Tabiteuea-Maiaki and Tamana- the absence of electoral competition is not a sign of disengagement but a profound testament to the trust and confidence the people place in their leaders. It highlights a unique aspect of Kiribati’s egalitarian culture, where collective agreement is reached quietly, emphasizing the greater good over individual ambition. This silent solidarity, so distinct in Kiribati, contrasts sharply with the more confrontational democratic practices seen elsewhere, offering a glimpse into a different, deeply rooted way of political expression.

Gender equality

Normally, the statistics from a western- lens would observe a notable gender disparity, with male candidates outnumbering female candidates by a significant margin. However, one has to take the data into context, and recognize that this is also the first time our nation will see the highest number of female candidates vying for seats in Te Maneaba ni Maungatabu. This surge in women’s political participation is a powerful indication of Kiribati's evolving gender dynamics, challenging long-held perceptions and showcasing a society in transition.

While men traditionally hold visible power in both formal and cultural settings, women in Kiribati are far from disempowered. Specifically in Kiribati, over time, women have assumed leadership roles in various spheres, including as heads of ministries, leaders in church groups, and even within formal politics.

Moreover, even in traditional settings where gender roles are more fixed, women are seen as powerful and influential. They actively participate in community discussions and decision-making processes, often through collective deliberation and representation within the maneaba, the traditional meeting house. This process mirrors other Pacific Island practices, that celebrate the significance of women and the special role they hold in their families and communities, and the influence they yield in every aspect of our lives- from the 'Cookhouse to the Cabinet' . It clearly demonstrates how women's voices are heard at every level of decision-making within our culture, even if they do not sit in the maneaba. More details on this emerging trend, and the observed decline of patriachy, can be read in detail in an upcoming Kiribati Country report on Accountability Ecosystems , commissioned by the UNDP, and carried out by 澳大利亚拉筹伯大学 .

The increase in female candidates this year, can be seen as part of a broader trend of social change in Kiribati, where attitudes towards women in leadership are evolving. It follows a few notable events in Kiribati politics that are historic and ground-breaking, such as the first moment in our history to have a woman as the Leader of the Opposition; the first moment that we have a woman as the Speaker of Parliament; and the first moment in our history when we have the first I-Kiribati woman as our Chief Justice.

A recent report prepared by the Kiribati Parliament, in relation to Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) benchmarks, noted an increasing number of programs and initiatives in Kiribati that encourage female representation, including a "Kiribati Women’s Practice Parliament", which is run by the Parliament prior to every election, and draws in women from across Kiribati to visit Te Maneaba ni Maungatabu and participate in a weeklong information and training program. There are also various Youth Parliament programmes and various outreach activities aimed at youth engagement.

What’s particularly striking is that these observed changes are being driven from within Kiribati, through existing cultural and social pathways. In traditional settings, where gender roles have remained largely fixed, women have found ways to exert influence. Whether through collective decision-making within church groups or by representing their communities in the maneaba, women are actively shaping the discourse and decisions that affect their lives.

Even within households, traditional patriarchal norms are being increasingly challenged, especially when women are the primary breadwinners. With more women accessing higher education and professional opportunities, there is an expectation that this shift will continue, gradually reshaping societal attitudes towards gender roles.

A bright future in Kiribati.

The upcoming election sends a powerful message that true and lasting change demands a systemic overhaul, one that is rooted in and driven by internal values rather than external pressures. To achieve sustainable and meaningful development, we must embrace a decolonized approach—one that honours and integrates customary values rather than imposing foreign norms.

This election could very well set a precedent for the region, illustrating that meaningful progress can be achieved by building on existing cultural strengths and allowing change to emerge organically.

As our people cast their ballot and anticipate their leaders and the new government that would serve them over the next four years, it would be remiss not to refer to western media propaganda articles, that talk about a "pro-China vs anti-China" agenda. This is a dedicated effort to take away our agency. As if we cannot make choices for ourselves and discern which leaders we will elect, based on our own metrics and our national interests.

We must not be dismayed and disheartened by this rhetoric of western media, that seek to make our national elections about themselves and their foreign interests, subjugating our national interests- in an imaginary world that is best described by Nelson Mandela's "your enemy is not mine" statement.

“One of the mistakes which some political analysts make is to think their enemies should be our enemies,”

May all I-Kiribati be blessed, as they elect our leaders and our government- for Health, Peace and Prosperity: Te Mauri, Te Raoi, Te Tabomoa.