# 2020 Kiribati parliamentary election

Parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati in 2020 to elect members of the House of Assembly. The elections were originally planned on 7 April 2020, with a second round of voting to be held on 15 April 2020. However, in late March the Electoral Commission changed the voting date to 14 April 2020, with a second round on 21 April 2020.
The elections resulted in President Taneti Maamau's pro-China Tobwaan Kiribati Party losing a majority in parliament to parties either supportive of Taiwan or critical of his handling of diplomatic recognition of China. However, on 22 May, during the first meeting of the new House, the 44 MPs were equally divided on two benches, with 22 supporting the new Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party and 22 the Tobwaan Kiribati Party.

## Electoral system

Of the 45 members of the House of Assembly, 44 were elected in 23 single- and multi-member constituencies (seven with one seat, eleven with two seats and five with three seats) using a modified two-round system. One member was chosen by the Rabi Council of Leaders to represent the Banaban community on Rabi Island in Fiji, while the Speaker is elected after the elections, from outside the House of Assembly, and does not participate in votes.
Voters have as many votes to cast as the number of seats in their constituencies. In the first round a candidate is elected if they receive more than 50% of the ballots cast. Where not all seats are filled, a second round is held with the number of candidates being equal to the number of seats remaining to be filled plus two, with those who received the fewest votes in the first round being eliminated. A tie in the second round results in a third round of voting.

## Results

In the 2020 Kiribati parliamentary elections, the Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) retained its position as the largest party, securing 13 out of 44 seats. Following the elections, the Boutokaan te Koaua (BTK) and the Kiribati Moa Party (KMP) merged to form the Boutokaan Kiribati Moa (BKM).
In the newly elected Parliament, TKP and BTK, along with their allies, each held 22 seats. Tangariki Reete became the first woman in Kiribati to be elected Speaker of the House of Assembly. The presidential candidates endorsed by the House were the outgoing President Taneti Maamau (TKP) and Banuera Berina (BKM).
David Christopher was elected by the Rabi Council of Leaders on 29 April 2020.
Taneti Maamau was re-elected President on 22 June 2020. These elections were the first held after Kiribati switched allegiance from Taiwan to China in 2019. The electoral campaign focused on climate change, and President Maamau pledged to boost tourism in the country. The political landscape saw defections and party mergers, with notable criticism of the decision to switch alliances.
| Party | Party | First round | First round | First round | Second round | Second round | Second round | Total seats | +/– |
| Party | Party | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Total seats | +/– |
| | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | | | 13 | | | 9 | 22 | +9 |
| | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | | | 10 | | | 12 | 22 | −9 |
| Appointed members | Appointed members | | | | | | | 1 | –1 |
| Total | Total | | | 23 | | | 21 | 45 | –1 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | 38,389 | 99.85 | | 27,171 | 99.88 | | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 56 | 0.15 | | 32 | 0.12 | | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | 38,445 | 100.00 | | 27,203 | 100.00 | | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 44,271 | 86.84 | | 30,953 | 87.88 | | | |
| Source: Ministry of Justice, Adam Carr, Radio Kiribati ||||||||||

### By constituency

Abaiang :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Teuea Toatu | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 1,114 | 49.87 | 1,128 | |
| | Tekena Tiroa | | 1,060 | 47.45 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Betero Atanibora | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 945 | 42.30 | 974 | |
| | Kautu Tenaua | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 899 | 40.24 | 1,025 | |
| | Arimaere Tambwereti | | 508 | 22.74 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| Total | Total | Total | 4,526 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,234 | 99.91 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.09 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,236 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 2,566 | 87.14 | | |
Abemama :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Willie Tokataake | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 778 | 53.51 |
| | Tessie Eria Lambourne | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 758 | 52.13 |
| | Natan Teewe | | 571 | 39.27 |
| | Tawaia Anterea Aukitino | | 82 | 5.64 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,189 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,454 | 99.86 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.14 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,456 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,583 | 91.98 |
Aranuka :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Martin Moreti | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 346 | 55.36 |
| | Tianeti Ioane | | 218 | 34.88 |
| | Amberoti Nikora | | 61 | 9.76 |
| Total | Total | Total | 625 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 625 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 625 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 656 | 95.27 |
Arorae :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Teima Onorio | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 275 | 58.64 |
| | Ioane Tanieru | | 194 | 41.36 |
| Total | Total | Total | 469 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 469 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 469 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 501 | 93.61 |
Banaba :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tibanga Taratai | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 127 | 75.15 |
| | Eribati Totibau | | 42 | 24.85 |
| Total | Total | Total | 169 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 169 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 169 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 172 | 98.26 |
Beru :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | England Iuta | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 728 | 67.66 |
| | Bwatoromaio Kiritian | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 586 | 54.46 |
| | Tetabo Nakara | | 280 | 26.02 |
| | Teunroko Anruuti | | 168 | 15.61 |
| | James Korona Teriba | | 126 | 11.71 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,888 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,076 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,076 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,155 | 93.16 |
Betio (BTC) :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Tinte Itinteang | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 2,111 | 47.74 | 2,352 | |
| | Tebao Awerika | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 1,519 | 34.35 | 1,993 | |
| | Ioteba Redfern | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 1,473 | 33.31 | 2,041 | |
| | Tangariki Reete | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 1,252 | 28.31 | 1,950 | |
| | Martin Tofinga | | 1,153 | 26.07 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Rutiano Benetito | | 729 | 16.49 | | |
| | Kianteata Teabo | | 728 | 16.46 | | |
| | Toani Benson | | 396 | 8.96 | | |
| | Susan Tebaau | | 103 | 2.33 | | |
| | John Tabito Tokaibure | | 93 | 2.10 | | |
| Total | Total | Total | 9,557 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 4,422 | 99.68 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 14 | 0.32 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,436 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 6,352 | 69.84 | | |
Butaritari :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tinian Reiher | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 932 | 64.45 |
| | Alexander Teabo | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 776 | 53.67 |
| | Koria Tamuera | | 548 | 37.90 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,256 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,446 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,446 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,506 | 96.02 |
Kiritimati :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Mikarite Temari | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 1,643 | 47.43 | 1,820 | 28.79 |
| | Jacob Tieikabu Teem | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 1,434 | 41.40 | 1,434 | 22.69 |
| | Bakaia Kiabo | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 1,256 | 36.26 | 1,344 | 21.26 |
| | Kirata Temamaka | | 1,034 | 29.85 | 1,290 | 20.41 |
| | Kataebati Bataua | | 694 | 20.03 | 433 | 6.85 |
| | Nancy Mikaere | | 344 | 9.93 | | |
| | Inatio Tanentoa | | 262 | 7.56 | | |
| | Taburea Tomataake | | 253 | 7.30 | | |
| | Rutio Bangao | | 204 | 5.89 | | |
| | Ngaruenga Tianere | | 202 | 5.83 | | |
| | Kaitama Toroto | | 131 | 3.78 | | |
| | Kabure Temariti | | 88 | 2.54 | | |
| Total | Total | Total | 7,545 | 100.00 | 6,321 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 3,464 | 99.88 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 4 | 0.12 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,468 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,719 | 93.25 | | |
Kuria :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Banuera Berina | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 344 | 54.86 |
| | Tom Robati Murdoch | | 162 | 25.84 |
| | Iaon Inatio | | 121 | 19.30 |
| Total | Total | Total | 627 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 627 | 99.68 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.32 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 629 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 665 | 94.59 |
Maiana :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Koraubati Remuera | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 705 | 66.01 | | |
| | Vincent Tong | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 475 | 44.48 | 498 | |
| | David Collins | | 372 | 34.83 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Kaure Babo | | 326 | 30.52 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,878 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,068 | 99.81 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.19 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,070 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,103 | 97.01 | | |
Makin :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | James Taom | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 798 | 75.35 |
| | Pinto Katia | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 786 | 74.22 |
| | Karea Paul Chen Baireti | | 324 | 30.59 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,908 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,059 | 99.34 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 7 | 0.66 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,066 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,105 | 96.47 |
Marakei :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Ruateki Tekaiara | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 869 | 67.94 |
| | Moannata Ientaake | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 644 | 50.35 |
| | Patrick Tatireta | | 434 | 33.93 |
| | Ioteba Tebau | | 308 | 24.08 |
| | Ioane Namoriki | | 133 | 10.40 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,388 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,279 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,279 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,369 | 93.43 |
Nikunau :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Ribanataake Tiwau | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 415 | 48.20 | 390 | |
| | Tauanei Marea | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 379 | 44.02 | 436 | |
| | Rimeta Beniamina | | 350 | 40.65 | 387 | |
| | Ngutu Metutera Awira | | 214 | 24.85 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Matana Anterea | | 154 | 17.89 | | |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,512 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 861 | 99.77 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 2 | 0.23 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 863 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 899 | 96.00 | | |
Nonouti :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Dennis Waysang Kumkee | | 588 | 43.11 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Ieremia Tabai | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 530 | 38.86 | 640 | |
| | Bonteman Tabera | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 482 | 35.34 | 629 | |
| | Elliot Ali | | 386 | 28.30 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Teekoa Iuta | | 223 | 16.35 | | |
| | Toromon Katua | | 62 | 4.55 | | |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,271 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,364 | 99.78 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.22 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,367 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,431 | 95.53 | | |
North Tarawa (ETC) :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Harry Tekaiti | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 1,568 | 48.45 | 1,718 | |
| | Atarake Nataara | | 841 | 25.99 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Terieta Mwemwenikeaki | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 826 | 25.53 | 1,398 | |
| | Boutu Bateriki Baare | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 777 | 24.01 | 1,197 | |
| | Emil Uri Tuuti | | 771 | 23.83 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Nabuti Mwemwenikarawa | | 604 | 18.67 | | |
| | Baraam Tetaeka | | 449 | 13.88 | | |
| | Teiraoi Tetabea | | 389 | 12.02 | | |
| | Taitii Waitie | | 334 | 10.32 | | |
| | Maiaa Iona | | 270 | 8.34 | | |
| Total | Total | Total | 6,829 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 3,236 | 99.91 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.09 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,239 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,649 | 88.76 | | |
Onotoa :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Taaneti Mamau | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 698 | 85.85 |
| | Taiaki Irata | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 415 | 51.05 |
| | Kouraiti Beniato | | 386 | 47.48 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,499 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 813 | 99.88 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 1 | 0.12 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 814 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 840 | 96.90 |
South Tarawa (TUC) :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Shiu-Fung Jong | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 3,202 | | 4,081 | |
| | Taoaba Kaiea | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 2,846 | | 3,092 | |
| | Taabeta Teakai | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 2,828 | | 4,180 | |
| | Kourabi Nenem | | 1,686 | | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Baantarawa Ietimeta | | 1,213 | | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Semilota Finauga | | 800 | | | |
| | Tabuia Taboree | | 518 | | | |
| | Barry Nawere | | 398 | | | |
| | Mareko Tofinga | | 383 | | | |
| | Beniera Kaitia | | 257 | | | |
| | Eritoa Tewakura Kookia | | 257 | | | |
| | Takaria Ubwaitoi | | 252 | | | |
| | Nokite Abiteti | | 227 | | | |
| | Tamuera Rikate | | [data missing] | [data missing] | | |
| | Teimarawa Itakara | | [data missing] | [data missing] | | |
| | Tekeeua Kauongo | | [data missing] | [data missing] | | |
| | Tirikai Tiraim | | [data missing] | [data missing] | | |
| Total | Total | Total | | | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 8,514 | 99.89 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 9 | 0.11 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,523 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 10,454 | 81.53 | | |
Tabiteuea North :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tarakabu Tofinga | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 805 | 54.36 |
| | Taberannang Timeon | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 755 | 50.98 |
| | Kobebe Taitai | | 750 | 50.64 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,310 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,481 | 99.93 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 1 | 0.07 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,482 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,651 | 89.76 |
Tabiteuea South :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | First round | First round | Second round | Second round |
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Votes | % |
| | Booti Nauan | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 286 | 39.89 | 315 | |
| | Titabu Tabane | | 241 | 33.61 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Teorae Kabure | | 190 | 26.50 | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| Total | Total | Total | 717 | 100.00 | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 717 | 99.58 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 3 | 0.42 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 720 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 768 | 93.75 | | |
Tabuaeran :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tekiau Aretateta | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 510 | |
| | Tewaaki Kobae | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 483 | |
| | Edwin Baraniko | | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Teakin Iakobwa | | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| | Teraawati Kinta | | [data missing] | [data missing] |
| Total | Total | Total | | |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 788 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 788 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 850 | 92.71 |
Tamana :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tekeeua Tarati | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 384 | 86.49 |
| | Tenoa Betene | | 60 | 13.51 |
| Total | Total | Total | 444 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 444 | 99.78 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 1 | 0.22 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 445 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 459 | 96.95 |
Teraina :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Nantongo Timeon | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 506 | 64.96 |
| | Kaiaia Teatoi | | 257 | 32.99 |
| | Rerekannang Terakau | | 16 | 2.05 |
| Total | Total | Total | 779 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 779 | 100.00 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 779 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 818 | 95.23 |