by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
14 incumbent Members of Parliament have been defeated in the election, which includes three former cabinet ministers. Out of the 27 MPs who secured their positions in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, the legislative assembly of Kiribati, was the current president, Taneti Maamau. A total of 17 new MPs were elected, setting a new record with five of them being women. This election saw a historic moment with five female MPs winning seats in the Kiribati parliament, Maneaba ni Maungatabo, one more than in the previous election.
The five women are: Ruth Cross Kwansing from South Tarawa, Lavinia Teatao Teem from Abaiang, Ruta Baabo Manate from Maiana Island, former speaker Tangariki Reete from Betio, and the opposition leader from the previous parliament, Tessie Eria Lambourne from Abemama.
At 35 years old, Manate is the youngest female MP to be elected, while Lavinia is the spouse of longtime MP from Kiritimati Island constituency, Jacob Teem. The Teems are the first married couple to be elected as MPs together.
Among the 14 MPs who lost their seats were three former cabinet ministers.
President Taneti Maamau comfortably retained his seat in his home constituency of Onotoa.
The Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs announced the final results on Tuesday following a runoff election on Monday to select the remaining 19 MPs out of the 45-seat House.
There are 17 first-time MPs and 27 MPs who are returning to the parliament.
Sir Ieremia Tabai, the first president of Kiribati, was also re-elected in Nonouti.
The electoral officials took two days to complete the vote counting after the initial round on August 14 due to concerns raised by candidates’ representatives. However, the results of the second round were processed more efficiently.
“There were several recounts, and they are aiming for better accuracy and efficiency in the counting process in this second round compared to the first round,” commented a local resident, Tulua Tinau.
