The Government has not formulated a policy regarding refugees, asylees, or first asylum. The Government is chosen by the people in periodic free and open elections. Executive authority is exercised by the President, who is elected for a 4-year term. No less than three and no more than four presidential candidates are nominated by the elected Legislative Assembly from among its members. Under the Constitution the President is limited to three terms.
Women are underrepresented in politics and government.
No women hold ministerial or permanent secretary positions, and none hold national elective office. There are no restrictions on the formation of local nongovernmental organizations that concern themselves with human rights, but to date none has been formed. There have been no reported allegations of human rights violations by the Government and no known requests for investigations. Kiribati is not a member of the United Nations. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, or sex, and the Government generally observed this prohibition in practice.