Taneti Maamau has secured a third term as President of Kiribati, following a competitive election on Friday. The I-Kiribati people had three candidates to choose from: Maamau, who has led for the past eight years; Bauntaake Beia; and Kaotitaake Kokoria, who recently broke from the ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) to form his own alliance.
According to New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Kiribati, Maamau received approximately 55% of the votes, while Kokoria garnered 42%, as reported by VOA News.
Chief Justice Tetiro Semilota formally declared Maamau the winner and extended congratulations.
This election saw heightened political tension after Kokoria’s decision to part ways with TKP, challenging Maamau’s leadership.
Maamau’s re-election signals continued stability, yet the emerging opposition highlights a growing call for change in Kiribati’s political landscape.
