United Coalition Party Explained

Merger:Kiribati Independent Party
Protect the Maneaba
Merged:Tobwaan Kiribati Party
Country:Kiribati

The United Coalition Party (Gilbertese: Karikirakean Te I-Kiribati; KTK), also known as the Improving I-Kiribati Welfare Party, was a political party in Kiribati.

History

The party was established in August 2010 as a merger of the Kiribati Independent Party and Protect the Maneaba.[1] The new party held 12 seats, making it the largest opposition faction. This resulted in its leader Rimeta Beniamina being appointed Leader of the Opposition.[1] However, he later defected to the Maurin Kiribati Party (MKP).[1]

In the 2011 parliamentary elections the party won ten seats. As a result it was able to nominate Tetaua Taitai for the 2012 presidential elections. Taitai finished second with 35% of the vote.

In January 2016 it merged with the MKP to form the Tobwaan Kiribati Party.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Tom Lansford (2015) Political Handbook of the World 2015, CQ Press
  2. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/295236/kiribati-party-merger-ahead-of-presidential-poll Kiribati party merger ahead of presidential poll