Kiribati: Easy victory for Maamau in Presidential election

On 25 October, the incumbent President Taneti Maamau was elected to a third term with 55% of the public votes. No significant disruptions or violence occurred throughout the rounds of parliamentary and presidential elections.

Assessment: Defections of MPs to the Government are likely to occur in search of government appointments now Maamau and his party’s place has been solidified and all elections are complete. The opposition is likely to continue to challenge the President and Government on inefficiency in dealing with various factors affecting the standard of living, including rising prices and slow development.

Sources: “NZ welcomes collaboration with Kiribati asTaneti Maamau wins third term as president,” RNZ, October 29, 2024; “Taneti Maamau back to Tarawa for victory celebrations,” RNZ, October 29, 2024.