The Kiribati presidential election, known locally as the beretitenti vote, is scheduled for October 25. Notices announcing the election were released on Friday across various electoral districts in the nation.
The elections will feature three candidates, all representing the ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP), following the removal of one candidate, Riteta Iorome, without explanation. The remaining contenders include Taneti Maamau, who has served as beretitenti for the past eight years, alongside Bauntaake Beia and Kaotitaake Kokoria.
Criticism has arisen as the TKP used its legislative majority to prevent any opposition candidates from participating in the elections. Opposition leader Tessie Lambourne voiced concerns that this action denies citizens the opportunity to select their preferred beretitenti. She described the situation as a shift towards a one-party state, citing the struggling delivery of essential services in the country.
In accordance with new electoral regulations, candidates are required to submit a copy of their manifesto to the Electoral Commission, which will publish these documents in the Government Gazette by Monday. A recent constitutional amendment mandates that the victorious candidate will be held accountable to their manifesto commitments throughout their four-year term.
Due to the exclusion of their candidates, the opposition is considering a boycott of the upcoming nationwide election.