Presidential elections were held in Kiribati on 22 June 2020,[1] following parliamentary elections in April. Incumbent President Taneti Maamau of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party was re-elected with 59% of the vote.[2]
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| Turnout | 79.67% | ||||||||||||||||||
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 Map of margin of victory by electoral district | |||||||||||||||||||
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Campaign
editRelations with China and Taiwan was the main issue during the elections, with Maamau having switched Kiribati's recognition to China from Taiwan, while Berina seen as more sympathetic toward Taiwan.[3] The elections were seen by many as a critical test for the Chinese Communist Party's expansionist foreign policy.[4][5]
Results
editThe results were declared on 23 June 2020 by Chief Justice John Muria at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in South Tarawa. Maamau won the election with 59% of the vote, receiving a majority in 16 of the 23 constituencies, while Berina finished first in seven constituencies.[6][7]
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taneti Maamau | Tobwaan Kiribati Party | 26,053 | 59.32 | |
| Banuera Berina | Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party | 17,866 | 40.68 | |
| Total | 43,919 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 43,919 | 99.75 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 112 | 0.25 | ||
| Total votes | 44,031 | 100.00 | ||
| Registered voters/turnout | 55,268 | 79.67 | ||
| Source: Ministry of Justice | ||||
By electoral district
edit| Electoral district | Maamau | Berina |
|---|---|---|
| Abaiang | 1,372 | 1,030 |
| Abemama | 1,066 | 466 |
| Aranuka | 346 | 231 |
| Arorae | 71 | 420 |
| Banaba | 66 | 109 |
| Beru | 609 | 497 |
| Betio | 4,033 | 2,264 |
| Butaritari | 927 | 541 |
| Kiritimati | 1,706 | 1,473 |
| Kuria | 131 | 424 |
| Maiana | 95 | 849 |
| Makin | 404 | 483 |
| Marakei | 972 | 244 |
| Nikunau | 584 | 297 |
| Nonouti | 338 | 962 |
| North Tarawa | 1,846 | 1,006 |
| Onotoa | 811 | 20 |
| Tabiteuea North | 1,011 | 552 |
| Tabiteuea South | 465 | 201 |
| Tabuaeran | 168 | 621 |
| Tamana | 218 | 179 |
| TUC | 8,347 | 4,732 |
| Teraina | 4,65 | 265 |
| Total | 26,053 | 17,866 |
References
edit- ^ "Two former allies to face off for Kiribati presidency". RNZ. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
- ^ Kiribati's pro-China leader wins re-election in blow to Taiwan Reuters, 23 June 2020
- ^ Barrett, Jonathan; Blanchard, Ben (19 June 2020). "Fierce presidential election erupts in Pacific amid China-Taiwan tussle". Reuters. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- ^ Pala, Christopher. "China Could Be in Reach of Hawaii After Monday's Election in Kiribati". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
- ^ Smith, Nicola (22 June 2020). "Chinese expansion across Pacific faces key test in Kiribati election with island just 1,300m south of Hawaii". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
- ^ "Kiribati President Taneti Maamau to be sworn in Wednesday". PINA. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
- ^ Pala, Christopher (23 June 2020). "Boost for Beijing: pro-China president wins re-election in Kiribati". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 23 June 2020.