Political Parties of Kiribati

There were four political parties in the Ninth Parliament namely Boutokaan Te Koaua
(BTK Government), Maurin Kiribati Party (MKP), Maneaban Te Mauri Party (MMP) and
Kiribati Tabomoa Party. The parties are loose groupings rather than disciplined blocks, with little
or no structure. Members may change allegiance on a number of occasions during their tenure. It
is also common for members to vote according to the special interests of their electorate on
certain issues.

At the commencement of the Tenth Meeting of the Ninth Parliament it become clear that
there only 3 Political Parties on 23rd August, 2010 the Speaker announced in Parliament that
Maneaban Te Mauri Party and Kiribati Tabomoa Party had combined as one to form the United
Coalition Party (which is now recognised as Karikirakean Tei-Kiribati or KTK Party). As a
result of this merger the members of Karikirakean Tei-Kiribati party came to 12 whilst the other
former leading opposition party membership was reduced to 7. According to Rule 12 of the
Rules of Procedure of the Maneaba Ni Maungatabu, the Leader of the largest party in terms of its
parliamentary membership which is not in Government or in coalition with a Government is
entitled to be recognized as a Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Rimeta Beniamina the member from
Nikunau Island has become opposition leader of this party replacing the former leader Mr.
Nabuti Mwemwenikarawa of Maurin Kiribati Party.

1. Maurin Kiribati Party

The Maurin Kiribati Party is a political party in Kiribati without parliamentary representation.
At the last presidential elections of 4 July 2003, its candidate Banuera Berina won 9.1%.

2. National Progressive Party

The National Progressive Party is a political party in Kiribati without parliamentary
representation. Its leader Harry Tong joined the Maneaban Te Mauri before the 2003 elections.
3. Pillars of Truth (Boutokaan Te Koaua)

Pillars of Truth (Boutokaan Te Koaua) is a political party in Kiribati. The party was created

through a split in the National Progressive Party, which was the first party to rule after
Independence in 1979.

In the 2003 presidential elections, its candidate Anote Tong won 47.4% and was elected
president. In the legislative elections of two months earlier, the party won 16 of 41 elected seats.

In the 22 August and 30 August 2007 House of Assembly of Kiribati elections, the party won
18 seats. On 17 October 2007, Anote Tong wasre-elected as president by a large majority. The
opposition boycotted the election due to the exclusion of two opposition candidates, including
Tong's brother Harry.

Below is the list of cabinet members of the Republic of Kiribati for 2007 to 2011 for the
Pillars of Truth:

 Hon Anote Tong- President of the Republic of Kiribati and Minister of Foreign Affairs &
Immigration
 Hon Teima Onorio - Vice President and Minister of Commerce, Industry and
Cooperatives
 Hon Amberoti Nikora - Minister of Internal and Social Affairs
 Hon Iotebwa Redfern - Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development
 Hon Tetabo Nakara - Minister of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development
 Hon James Taom - Minister of Education
 Hon Natan Teewe - Minister of Finance and Economic Development
 Hon Tawita Temoku - Minister of Line and Phoenix Islands Development
 Hon Taberannang Timeon - Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development
 Hon Dr. Kautu Tenaua - Minister of Health and Medical Services
 Hon Kouraiti Beniato - Minister of Public Works and Utilities
 Hon Temate Ereateiti - Minister of Communications Transport and Tourism
Development