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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For the purposes of returning elected members to the Maneabra ni Maungatabu, Kiribati shall be divided into the 23 electoral districts specified in the first column of Schedule 1 and each electoral district shall consist of the area specified in relation to that electoral district in the second column of Schedule 1 and return the number of members specified in the third column of Schedule 1.
Source: Article 5, Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2024/09/18
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Election Ordinance
Source: Article 5, Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2020/05/01
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers
Comments: The Commission shall, at intervals of not more than 4 years, review the number of electoral districts, the boundaries of those districts, and the number of members of the Maneaba to be elected to represent each electoral district, taking account of the most recent census date for citizens of Kiribati, subject to the provisions of section 118 (4) of this Constitution; and the movement of people within Kiribati.
Source: Article 63 (3) and 118 (4), Constitution
Section 5, Elections Act
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/24
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/02/15
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall, at intervals of not more than 4 years, review the number of electoral districts, the boundaries of those districts, and the number of members of the Maneaba to be elected to represent each electoral district, taking account of the most recent census date for citizens of Kiribati, subject to the provisions of section 118 (4) of this Constitution; and the movement of people within Kiribati.
The Maneaba may approve or reject the recommendations of the Commission under the preceding subsection but may not vary them; and, if so approved, the Chairman of the Commission shall thereupon by order under this Constitution make provision for the recommendations as have been so approved which shall have effect as from the date of the next dissolution of the Maneaba.
Source: Article 63, Constitution of Kiribati
Verified: 2024/11/24
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
k . Boundaries redrawn every____period of years
Comments: The Commission shall, at intervals of not more than 4 years, review the number of electoral districts, the boundaries of those districts, and the number of members of the Maneaba to be elected to represent each electoral district, taking account of the most recent census date for citizens of Kiribati, subject to the provisions of section 118 (4) of this Constitution; and the movement of people within Kiribati.
The Maneaba may approve or reject the recommendations of the Commission under the preceding subsection but may not vary them; and, if so approved, the Chairman of the Commission shall thereupon by order under this Constitution make provision for the recommendations as have been so approved which shall have effect as from the date of the next dissolution of the Maneaba.
Source: Article 63, Constitution of Kiribati
Verified: 2024/09/09
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: There shall be a president of Kiribati, who shall be known as Beretitenti. The Beretitenti shall be the Head of State and the Head of Government.
The Maneaba (Parliament) shall after the election of the Speaker nominate, from among members of the Maneaba, not less than 3 nor more than 4 candidates for election as Beretitenti and no other person may be a candidate. Every person who is entitled to vote in a general election shall be entitled to vote in an election of Beretitenti.
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.
Source: Article 30 and 32, Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Article 5, Election of Beretitenti Act
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eoba231.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is both the Head of State and the Head of Government, elected by absolute majority of votes in direct elections, from candidates selected by the Parliament.
Source: Article 30 and 32(2), Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There shall be a president of Kiribati, who shall be known as Beretitenti.
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2024/11/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: There shall be a legislature for Kiribati which shall be known as the Maneaba ni Maungatabu and shall consist of a single chamber.
Source: Article 52, Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
d . Two-Round System
Comments: Parliamentary elections are conducted in a two round process. The first round requires an absolute majority, while the second merely requires a plurality of votes.
Source: Article 25 and 26, Subsidiary Legislation: Elections Regulation under Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167/
Verified: 2024/11/24
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Article 52, Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: For the purposes of returning elected members to the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, Kiribati shall be divided into the 23 electoral districts specified in the first column of Schedule 1 and each electoral district shall consist o ft he area specified in relation to that electoral district in the second column of Schedule 1 and return the number of embers specified in the third column of Schedule 1.
Source: Article 5, Elections Law
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Subject to the provisions of this section, the Maneaba ni Maungatabu shall be composed of-
(a) 35 elected members;
(b) the member provided for in section 117 of this Constitution; and
(c) if he is not an elected member, the Attorney-General as an ex- officio member.
Source: Article 53(1), Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Candidates run individually.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: Parliamentary elections are conducted in a two-round process. The first round requires an absolute majority, while the second merely requires a plurality of votes.
Source: Article 25 and 26, Elections Ordinance and Regulations
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: Whenever an election of a member or members of th eManeaba ni Maungatabu becomes necessary the Electoral Commission shall issue a notice of election.
Source: Article 10(1), Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall issue a notice of election which shall specify a day on which the poll is to be taken.
Source: Article 10(1), Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The Constitution of Kiribati contains clauses pertaining to Legislative elections, however the administration of elections is governed by separate legislation.
Source: Constitution
Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Article 10 and 11, Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 118(3) of this Constitution, every person who-(a) is a citizen of Kiribati;(b) has attained the age of 18 years; and(c) is a person resident within an electoral district established by or under this Constitution, shall be entitled to be registered as an elector in the electoral district in which he is resident, and when so registered to vote at an election of a member of the Maneaba ni Mangatabu for that electoral district.
Source: Article 64, Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: All elections petitions are referred to the Judiciary (the High Court) for arbitration.
The High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determined any question whether any person has been validly elected as a member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu; or any elected member of the Maneaba has vacated his seat therein or is required by virtue of section 58 of this Constitution to cease to perform his functions as a member.
Source: Article 60, Constitution
Article 34 (1), Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates c . Voters e . Other
Comments: (A) any question under paragraph (a) of the preceding subsection may be made by any person entitled to vote in the electoral district, and at the election, to which the application relates or by any person who was a candidate in that district at that election or by the Attorney-General;
(b) any question under paragraph (b) of the preceding subsection may be made by any person entitled to vote at an election in the electoral district for which the member concerned was returned or by any elected member of member of the Maneaba or by the Attorney-General
Source: Article 60(1), Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: All elections petitions are referred to the Judiciary (the High Court) for arbitration.
Source: Article 60, Constitution
Article 34 (1), Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall have general responsibility for, and shall supervise, the registration of electors for the election of members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu and the conduct of elections of such members and of referenda under this Constitution, and the Commission shall have such other functions relating to such registration, elections and referenda as may be prescribed.
Source: Article 63, Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Maneaba may approve or reject the recommendations of the Commission under the preceding subsection but may not vary them.
Source: Article 63(5), Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Kiribati's national budget is approved by the legislature (MANEABA NI MAUNGATABU). While the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for Electoral Commission and National Elections, the responsible Ministry for the national election budget (all costs of the National Election) is Ministry of Justice, and the accounting officer is the Secretary of Ministry of Justice.
Source: 2019 Budget, Kiribati Government
http://www.mfed.gov.ki/sites/default/files/Final%202019%20Budget%20-%20Approved.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/25
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: Kiribati national budget is approved by the legislature (MANEABA NI MAUNGATABU). While the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for Electoral Commission and National Elections, the responsible Ministry for the national election budget (all costs of the National Election) is Ministry of Justice, and the accounting officer is the Secretary of Ministry of Justice.
An accounting officer shall be personally accountable for all public moneys received, collected or disbursed and for all public stores received, held or disposed of by or an account of the department or service for which the Head for which he is the accounting officer is provided.
Source: 2019 Budget, Kiribati Government
http://www.mfed.gov.ki/sites/default/files/Final%202019%20Budget%20-%20Approved.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/25
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: A member of the Commission shall vacate his office at the expiration of five years after the date of his appointment.
Source: Article 62, Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2020/05/01
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
e . Governmental appointment
Comments: There shall be a Chief ELectoral Officer who shall be appointed, subject to section 99 of the Constitution, by the Minister by notice.
Source: Article 5(1), Elections Ordinance
Verified: 2020/05/01
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/electoral-management-design-2014.pdf
Verified: 2020/05/01
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: There shall be an Electoral Commission consisting of a Chief Electoral Commissioner and not less than 2 nor more than 4 Commissioners.
Source: Article 62(1), Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2020/05/01
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Beretitenti, acting in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet. A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission if he is a member of the Maneaba, and no person shall be qualified for appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner unless he is a judge or magistrate in Kiribati.
Source: Article 62(4), Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government c . Executive
Comments: The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Beretitenti, acting in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet. A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission if he is a member of the Maneaba, and no person shall be qualified for appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner unless he is a judge or magistrate in Kiribati.
Source: Article 62(4), Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall have general responsibility for, and shall supervise, the registration of electors for the election of members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu and the conduct of elections of such members and of referenda under this Constitution, and the Commission shall have such other functions relating to such registration, elections and referenda as may be prescribed.
National information campaigns are conducted by the National EMB.
Source: Article 63(1), Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Article 64(1), Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Every citizen who is a person resident within an electoral district established by or under the Constitution, shall be entitled to be registered as an elector in the electoral district in which he is resident, and when so registered to vote at an election of a member of the Maneaba ni Mangatabu for that electoral district.
Source: Article 64(1), Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2020/05/01
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability h . Other
Comments: Notwithstanding the preceding subsection no person who-
(a) is serving a sentence of imprisonment (by whatever name called) for a term of or exceeding 12 months imposed on him by a court in any part of the Commonwealth or substituted by competent authority for some other sentence imposed on him by such a court; or
(b) is certified to be insane or otherwise adjudged to be of unsound mind under any law in force in Kiribati; or
(c) is disqualified from registering as an elector or voting by any law in force in Kiribati relating to offences connected with elections.
shall be registered as an elector for an electoral district or, being registered, shall be entitled to vote at an election.
Source: Article 64(2), Constitution of Kiribati
Verified: 2020/05/01
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall have general responsibility for, and shall supervise, the registration of electors for the election of members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu and the conduct of elections of such members and of referenda under this Constitution, and the Commission shall have such other functions relating to such registration, elections and referenda as may be prescribed.
Source: Article 63, Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments: ... shall be entitled to be registered as an elector in the electoral district in which he is resident, and when so registered to vote at an election of a member of the Maneaba ni Mangatabu for that electoral district.
Source: Article 64(1), Constitution of Kiribati
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2020/05/01
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Every person who desires and is entitled to be registered as an elector in any ward may make application in person to the Electoral Officer for the electoral district who shall, if he is satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be registered as an elector for the ward and is not registered as an elector in another ward, whether in that electoral district or elsewhere, enter the applicant's name and the date in the register of elections for that ward.
Source: Subsidiary Legislation: Elections Regulation Article 3 under Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/25
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: In Kiribati, the political parties are loose groupings rather than disciplined blocks, with little or no structure. Members may change allegiance on a number of occasions during their tenure. It is also common for members to vote according to the special interests of their electorate on certain issues.
Legal framework does not have a clause on political party. Every person submitting himself for election shall be nominated by 3 electors in the electoral district or ward, as the case may be, for which he is a candidate, and no candidate may be nominated for more than 1 electoral district or ward, as the case may be.
Source: Article 12, Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/25
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliament
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: Subject to the provisions of the next following section and of section 118 (1) of this Constitution, a person shall be qualified to be elected as an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu if, and shall not be so qualified unless he is a citizen of Kiribati; and he has attained the age of 21 years.
Source: Article 55 and 118 (1), Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: The Maneaba shall after the election of the Speaker nominate, from among members of the Maneaba, not less than 3 nor more than 4 candidates for election as Beretitenti and no other person may be a candidate.
Source: Article 32(2), Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration b . Detention e . Offences against electoral law g . Holding of government office k . Mental health problems n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) o . Other
Comments: No person shall be qualified to be elected as an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu who-
(a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state;
(b) is in lawful detention by reason of his having been certified to be insane or otherwise adjudged to be of unsound mind under any law in force in Kiribati
(c) is under sentence of death imposed on him by a court in any part of the Commonwealth, or is serving a sentence of imprisonment (by whatever name called) for a term of or exceeding 12 months, imposed on him by such a court or substituted by competent authority for some other sentence imposed on him by such a court;
(d) is disqualified from membership of the Maneaba under any law in force in Kiribati relating to offences connected with elections;
(e) holds, or is acting in, any office the functions of which involve any responsibility for, or in connection with, the conduct of any election or the compilation or revision of any electoral register; or
(f) subject to such exemptions as may be prescribed by any law in force in Kiribati, holds, or is acting in, any public office.
Source: Article 56(1), Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration b . Detention e . Offences against electoral law g . Holding of government office j . Physical health problems k . Mental health problems n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) p . Other
Comments: Same criteria as for legislative candidates, plus:
If the Maneaba ni Maungatabu resolves, upon a motion support by the votes of a majority of all the members thereof (other than the Beretitenti), that the question of the mental or physical capacity of the Beretitenti to discharge the functions of his office ought to be investigated, the Speaker shall notify the Chief Justice who shall appoint a Medical Board consisting of not less than 3 persons who are qualified as medical practitioners under the law of Kiribati or under the law of any other country in the Commonwealth, and the Board shall inquire into the mater and shall report to the Maneaba stating the opinion of the Board whether or not the Beretitenti is, by reason of any infirmity of body or mind, incapable of discharging the functions of his office.
If the Maneaba, having received the report of the Medical Board, resolves by a majority of all the members of the Maneaba (other than the Beretitenti) that the Beretitenti is, by reason of infirmity of body or mind, incapable of discharging the
functions of his office, the Beretitenti shall cease to hold office forthwith.
Source: Article 56(1) and 34, Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: In Kiribati, the political parties are loose groupings rather than disciplined blocks, with little or no structure. Members may change allegiance on a number of occasions during their tenure. It is also common for members to vote according to the special interests of their electorate on certain issues.
Legal framework does not have a clause on political party.
Source: Article 32, Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Verified: 2024/11/25
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliament
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign, the Electoral Commission is not mandated to ask each candidate or party to disclose their financial statement.
Source: International IDEA (2014) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/funding-of-political-parties-and-election-campaigns.pdf
International IDEA Political Finance Database
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments: No public funding provided. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: International IDEA (2014) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/funding-of-political-parties-and-election-campaigns.pdf
International IDEA Political Finance Database
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments: No public funding provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding for political parties.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments: No public funding provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/01
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign, the Electoral Commission is not mandated to ask each candidate or party to disclose their financial statement.
Source: International IDEA Political Finance Database
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/01
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
Comments: The Electoral Officer Shall ... Provide each presiding officer with numbered ballot papers-
I) containing the names of the nominated candidates (or in the case of a further election held pursuant to regulation 26 such nominated candidates as are entitled by virtue of regulation 26(2) to be candidates at such further election, with the names of the other nominated candidates deleted) in alphabetical order and a delimited space against each name where the elector may mark a cross in accordance with regulation 12(d)
Source: Elections Ordinace, Supplemenray Legislation, Part III, art. 9(d)(i)
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: One chamber only
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) m . Organized alphabetically r . Other
Comments: Each presiding officer receive from Electoral Officer numbered ballot papers -
(i) containing the names of the nominated candidates (or in the case of a further election held pursuant to regulation 26 such nominated candidates as are entitled by virtue of regulation 26 (2) to be candidates at such further election, with the names of the other nominated candidates deleted) in alphabetical order and a delimited space against each name where the elector may mark a cross in accordance with regulation 12(d); and
(ii) having counterfoils attached bearing a number that corresponds to the number on the ballot paper
Source: Elections Ordinace, Supplemenray Legislation, Part III, art. 9(d)(i)
Verified: 2020/05/05
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: As soon as practicable after the termination of the voting the presiding officer shall make up into separate packets, and seal- (a) the ballot box in use at the polling station, locked and sealed so as to prevent the introduction of additional ballot papers but with the key attached ... And shall deliver the packets to the Electoral Officer together with the register of electors as marked.
The Electoral Officer shall open each ballot box and, taking out the ballot papers, shall, with the assistance of the counters, count and record the number of ballot papers in the ballot box and the number of votes marked thereon in favour of each candidate.
Source: Subsidiary Legislation: Elections Regulation Part IV, art. 16(1)(a), Part 5, Art. 19 under Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box l . Counted by hand
Comments: The Electoral Officer shall open each ballot box and, taking out the ballot papers, shall, with the assistance of the counters, count and record the number of ballot papers in the ballot box and the number of votes marked thereon in favour of each candidate.
Source: Elections Ordinance, Subsidiary Legislation, Part 5, Art. 19
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
e . National level
Comments: Upon the conclusion of the counting of votes ... the Electoral Officer shall prepare a statement as to the result of the verification and shall, on request, allow any candidate or his agent to copy such statement and send a copy to the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Elections Ordinance, Subsidiary Legislation, Part 5, Art. 24
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments: Upon the conclusion of the counting of votes ... the Electoral Officer shall prepare a statement as to the result of the verification and shall, on request, allow any candidate or his agent to copy such statement and send a copy to the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Elections Ordinance, Subsidiary Legislation, Part 5, Art. 24
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments: Upon the conclusion of the counting of votes ... the Electoral Officer shall prepare a statement as to the result of the verification and shall, on request, allow any candidate or his agent to copy such statement and send a copy to the Chief Electoral Officer.
Source: Elections Ordinance, Subsidiary Legislation, Part 5, Art. 24
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
d . Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals j . Other
Comments: As soon as practicable after the termination of the voting the presiding officer shall make up into separate packets, and seal
the ballot box in use at the polling station, locked and sealed so as to prevent the introduction of additional ballot papers but with the key attached.
The voting the presiding officer shall deliver the packets to the Electoral Officer together with the register of electors as marked. The packets shall be accompanied by a statement to be called the ballot papers account, prepared by the presiding officer, showing the number of ballot papers entrusted to him and accounting for them under the following heads.
Source: Elections Ordinance, PART IV, art. 16(1)(2)
Verified: 2020/05/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request
Comments: When an equality of votes is found to exist between any candidates so that an addition of a vote would entitle any of them to be declared elected, the Chief Electoral Officer shall order a recount of the votes cast. If there is again an equality of votes as ascertained by such recount, the Electoral Commission shall order that another election shall be held and a poll taken on such day as he shall specify for the purpose of determining which of the candidates between whom such equality of votes was found to exist shall be elected to the office of Beretitenti. At such election only those candidates between whom the equality of votes was found to exist shall be entitled to be candidates and no new nominations shall be required in respect of any of them.
The decision of the Electoral Officer as to any question arising in respect of any ballot paper shall be final, and shall be subject to review only on an election petition questioning the elecion.
Source: Election of Beretitenti Act, Art.13
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eoba231.pdf
Subsidiary Legislation: Elections Regulation Part V, Article. 23 under Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
a . Closeness of results
Comments: When an equality of votes is found to exist between any candidates so that an addition of a vote would entitle any of them to be declared elected, the Chief Electoral Officer shall order a recount of the votes cast. If there is again an equality of votes as ascertained by such recount, the Electoral Commission shall order that another election shall be held and a poll taken on such day as he shall specify for the purpose of determining which of the candidates between whom such equality of votes was found to exist shall be elected to the office of Beretitenti. At such election only those candidates between whom the equality of votes was found to exist shall be entitled to be candidates and no new nominations shall be required in respect of any of them.
Source: Election of Beretitenti Act, Art 13
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
b . An individual candidate f . Other
Comments: For the purposes of section 60 of the Constitution and of section 34, an election petition may, within 1 month after the date of publication of the result of the election, be presented to the Court (a) in the case of an election of a member of the Maeaba ni Maungatabu - in accordance with section 60 of the Constitution; and (b) in the case of an election of a member of a council - by - (i) a person who had the right to vote at the election; or (ii) a person who claims to have had a right to be returned or elected at the election; or (iii) a person who claims that he was a candidate at the election
Source: Elections Ordinance, art. 35
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
b . Regional Election Management body
Comments: The decision of the Electoral Officer as to any question arising in respect of any ballot paper shall be final, and shall be subject to review only on an election petition questioning the election.
Source: Elections Ordinance, Subsidiary Legislation, Part 5, Art. 23
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/02
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: When the result of the poll has been ascertained, the Electoral Officer shall forthwith declare to be elected the candidate, or in the case of an election for which 2 or 3 members are to be elected, the 2 or 3 candidates as the case may be for whom the greatest number of votes have been cast, and shall also declare the number of votes for each and every candidate, whether elected or not.
Source: Elections Ordinance, Subsidiary Legislation, Part VI, Art. 25
Verified: 2020/05/02
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments: There are two radio stations present in Kiribati
Radio Kiribati (state-run)
Newair (private FM station) which is only available in Tarawa
Source: Commonwealth of Nations website
http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/sectors-kiribati/business/media_and_broadcasting/
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments: Te Uekera, a weekly newspaper published by the Broadcasting and Publications Authority
Kiribati Newstar is an independent weekly
Source: Commonwealth of Nations website
http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/sectors-kiribati/business/media_and_broadcasting/
Broadcasting And Publications Authority
https://bpa.org.ki/
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
e . Lack of print media
Comments: Additional sources needed to examine the situation.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME011
What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Whereas every person in Kiribati is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.
Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, and for the purposes of this section the said freedom includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference and freedom from interference with his correspondence.
Source
Constitution of Kiribati
Verified
2020/05/05
ME018
What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
The constitution provides the broad framework;
Whereas every person in Kiribati is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.
Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, and for the purposes of this section the said freedom includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference and freedom from interference with his correspondence.
Source
Constitution of Kiribati
Verified
2020/05/05
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: Communications Commission of Kiribati
Source: Communications Commission of Kiribati
http://www.cck.ki/index.php/downloads/finish/21-licensing/655-communications-licensing-rules-2014-final-revised-01-08
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies d . Foreigners e . Government departments f . State owned companies g . Other
Comments: The following are eligible persons for the purpose of these Rules:
(a) a company incorporated under the Companies Ordinance of Kiribati or a foreign company
registered under the Companies Ordinance
(b) any society registered under the Cooperative Societies Ordinance
(c) a natural person over the age of 18
(d) a Kiribati government agency or an organization or statutory body created pursuant to the laws
of Kiribati.
Source: Licensing rules for Communications Network and Services, PART 4 (20)
http://www.cck.ki/index.php/downloads/finish/21-licensing/655-communications-licensing-rules-2014-final-revised-01-08
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME022
What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
The Commission may suspend or revoke a licence in cases where the licensee:
(a) fails to comply with a material term or condition of its licence such as the failure to pay its
licence fees
(b) has mislead the Commission in its licence application or in its submission of any information
required under the Regulatory Framework
(c) is insolvent, in receivership, or bankrupt.
Source
Licensing rules for Communications Network and Services, PART 8 (50)
http://www.cck.ki/index.php/downloads/finish/21-licensing/655-communications-licensing-rules-2014-final-revised-01-08
Verified
2020/05/05
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Kiribati
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free printed advertisement space. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: There is no free printed advertisement space. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
g . Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend
Comments: Criteria not explicitly outlined.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free broadcast time. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME049
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: There is no free printed advertisement space. The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Criteria not explicitly outlined.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
g . Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend
Comments: Criteria not explicitly outlined.
The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign, the Electoral Commission is not mandated to ask each candidate or party to disclose their financial statement.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments: No official information provided.
It is unlikely as there is no national television service in the country.
Source: Commonwealth of Nations website
http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/sectors-kiribati/business/media_and_broadcasting/
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments: Official sources do not provide information relating to opinion polls.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Official sources do not provide information relating to exit polls.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/05
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no limit on the maximum amount that can be spent.
The candidate or the parties have to fund for their own campaign, the Electoral Commission is not mandated to ask each candidate or party to disclose their financial statement.
Source: Email from Ms Takiakia Maatia, Chief Electoral Officer, Department of Justice, Kiribati, January 31, 2018
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/159/55
Verified: 2020/05/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59 and 69: https:https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2024/11/26
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In so far as it alters Chapter II of this Constitution, an Act under this section shall not come into operation unless the provisions contained in the Act effecting that alteration have, in accordance with any law in that behalf, been submitted to a referendum in which all persons who are registered as electors for the purposes of a general election shall be entitled to vote and unless those provisions have been supported by the votes of not less than two-third of all the persons entitled to vote in the referendum. Also, if the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source: Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59 and Art 69 (3): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: If the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source: Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2024/11/26
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Elections Ordinance: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/KI/kiribati-elections-ordinance-1979/at_download/file (http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf);
Amendments of this ordinance can be found here: https://www.parliament.gov.ki/acts-of-kiribati/
Verified: 2024/11/26
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: If the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source: Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2024/11/26
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: No official information provided.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission c . President d . Legislature e . Other (specify who)
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Election Act 1979
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: a) Island Councils
Source: Local Government Act 2005
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government d . Legislative majority
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department) d . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: Motion in Parliament.
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission d . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
b . Qualified majority (specify % below)
Comments: b) two thirds of the electorate.
Constitution, art. 69:
(3) In so far as it alters Chapter II of this Constitution, an Act under this section shall not come into operation unless the provisions contained in the Act effecting that alteration have, in accordance with any law in that behalf, been submitted to a referendum in which all persons who are registered as electors for the purposes of a general election shall be entitled to vote and unless those provisions have been supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the persons entitled to vote in the referendum.
Source: Constitution, art. 69
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD042
Question: In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 69
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2007/01/08
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
a . Government
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
Verified: 2016/02/26
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
a . Members of the national legislature
Comments: Constitution, art. 59:
59. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (6) and (7) of this section. if the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission.
(2) The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
(3) No person shall be entitled to vote in a referendum under this section unless he was registered as an elector, at the time of the last election of the member named in the petition, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected.
(4) If in a referendum under this section a majority of those entitled to vote in that referendum vote for the removal from the Maneaba of the member named in the petition, that member shall vacate his seat in the Maneaba forthwith.
(5) Where a member vacates his seat in the Maneaba under the preceding subsection, a by-election shall be held within 3 months (unless the Maneaba is sooner dissolved) to fill that seat in the Maneaba.
(6) No action shall be taken on a petition delivered to the Speaker under this section until the expiration of 6 months following-
(a) the last occasion on which the member named in the petition was elected to the Maneaba; or
(b) the date of any referendum held under this section which determined that the member named in the petition was not required to vacate his seat in the Maneaba under subsection (4) of this section.
(7) This section shall not apply to a member of the Maneaba during any period when he is holding or acting in the office of Beretitenti, Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti or any other Minister, or Attorney-General.
Source: Constitution, art. 59
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments: Constitution, art. 59:
(2) The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source: Constitution, art. 59
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
b . Separately and subsequently
Comments: b) Within three months after the member of the legislature has vacated the seat.
Constitution, art. 59:
(5) Where a member vacates his seat in the Maneaba under the preceding subsection, a by-election shall be held within 3 months (unless the Maneaba is sooner dissolved) to fill that seat in the Maneaba.
Source: Constitution, art. 59
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/13
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59 and 69: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: In so far as it alters Chapter II of this Constitution, an Act under this section shall not come into operation unless the provisions contained in the Act effecting that alteration have, in accordance with any law in that behalf, been submitted to a referendum in which all persons who are registered as electors for the purposes of a general election shall be entitled to vote and unless those provisions have been supported by the votes of not less than two-third of all the persons entitled to vote in the referendum. Also, if the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source: Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59 and Art 69 (3): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
Verified: 2024/11/26
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
e . 1961-1980
Comments: 1979
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
e . 1961-1980
Comments: 1974 Ellice Islands self-determination referendum
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/03
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Not explicitly stated.
Source: Elections Ordinance
Constitution of Kiribati
Verified: 2020/05/05
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Elections Ordinance Part I, Art.9
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/26
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2020/05/02
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments: Voting is only allowed on the day of the scheduled election.
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/02
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/02
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/05/02
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Subsidiary Legislation: Elections Regulation, Part III, Art.9 under Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/26
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
No official information provided. However, there are various roles at each polling station, including Electoral Officer, Assistant Electoral Officer and presiding officer.
Source
Elections Ordinance
Verified
2020/05/05
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