31 Dec 2015

Tong's son misses out in Kiribati election

4:48 pm on 31 December 2015

Maiana Island in Kiribati, the home island of outgoing president Anote Tong, will go to a second round of voting on January 7th after none of the candidates got 50 percent of the vote in yesterday's initial general election.

One of those to miss out is Mr Tong's son, Vincent, who managed just 224 votes, finishing fifth among the candidates and not qualifying for the second round.

David Collins got the most votes followed by Kaure Baboo and Tioera Baitika as they seek the two seats available.

On Christmas Island, newcomer Mikarite Temari, was elected MP while in Tabiteuea North, former government MP Taberannang Timeon and former opposition MP Kobebe Taitai, whose father once led the opposition, have all been re-elected.

On Abaiang Island one of the three seats has been decided with Dr Kautu Tenamo winning.

Among those contesting the remaining Abaiang seats next week is long-serving politician and former president Teatao Teannaki.

The candidates on Nonouti Island in the south will go to the second round, including former president, Ieremia Tabai, the current minister of works, Waysang Kum Kee, and two new candidates Karuaki Matia and Toromon Katua.

Marakei Island has a new MP, Ioteba Tebau, with a second round to decide the other seat.

In Betio Town, the candidates, including the current minister of women, Tangariki Reete, will have to go to the second round of voting.

Other places to need a second round of voting are Beru, Abernaama, North Tarawa and for the two remaining Christmas Island seats.

The result from one seat - South Tarawa - is yet to be released.

no caption 2015. Taken by VSA volunteer

Photo: Shifani Sood

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