Kiribati has put its presidential election on hold until next year so citizens travelling to celebrate the New Year can vote. Elections were held in mid October, with over 100 candidates contesting the 23 constituencies.
Three successful politicians have nominated to contest the presidency, the incumbent Anote Tong, the opposition leader in the last parliament Rimeta Beniamina, and Doctor Tetaua Taitai. Mr Tong said the vote would now be held on the 13 of January.
“I haven’t delayed it, dont blame me,” Mr Tong told Pacific Beat. “I think it’s those that are responsible with consensus have decided to delay it, and for a good reason.” Mr Tong said election delays would allow citizens going on vacation in the lead-up to New Years Eve to return in to for the vote.
If elections were held prior to 2012, a large portion of the population would not be able to vote, he siad. “Nobody has withdrawn or opted out of the race.”
Source: ABC Radio Australia News:Stories:Kiribati elections delayed.