1983 Kiribati parliamentary election explained

Early parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati on 12 January 1983, with a second round on 19 January.[1] All candidates for the 36 seats ran as independents. Voter turnout was 79.9%.

Background

After the government of Ieremia Tabai was defeated 20–15 on a bill on equalising civil servants' salaries on 9 December 1982, Tabai brought back the same bill the following day, including a vote of confidence. After the government lost again, early elections were called.[2]

Results

Ten incumbent MPs lost their seats, including Minister for Health Ataraoti Bwebwenibure and Minister for the Line and Phoenix Group Ieremia Tata.[3]

Aftermath

In the February presidential election, Tabai was re-elected president. Matita Taniera was re-elected Speaker and Teato Teannaki was appointed Vice President.[4]

Notes and References

  1. [Dieter Nohlen]
  2. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-339617950/view?partId=nla.obj-339705983#page/n12/mode/1up Airline, shipping issues in fall of Kiribati Government
  3. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-339630611/view?partId=nla.obj-339742954#page/n4/mode/1up Kiribati goes to the polls
  4. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-339678036/view?partId=nla.obj-339764345#page/n4/mode/1up Ieremia Tabai back as Kiribati president