Kiribati · Constitution
Constitution of Kiribati
In force from independence on 12 July 1979. Chapter II contains an enforceable Bill of Rights modelled on the Westminster independence constitutions, and Chapter III creates an unusual hybrid executive: the Beretitenti (President) is directly elected by the people, but only from among candidates nominated by the Maneaba ni Maungatabu from its own members, and the President can be removed by a parliamentary vote of no confidence, which triggers a general election. Land rights receive express constitutional protection.
The constitutional text
In force from independence on 12 July 1979. Chapter II contains an enforceable Bill of Rights modelled on the Westminster independence constitutions, and Chapter III creates an unusual hybrid executive: the Beretitenti (President) is directly elected by the people, but only from among candidates nominated by the Maneaba ni Maungatabu from its own members, and the President can be removed by a parliamentary vote of no confidence, which triggers a general election. Land rights receive express constitutional protection.
Separation of powers
Unitary with statutory island councils. The Local Government Act gives each inhabited island a council with bylaw-making powers, and on most islands the traditional maneaba (meeting house assembly) remains the real forum for community decisions. Banaba (Ocean Island) has a distinct status reflecting the displacement of the Banaban community to Rabi in Fiji, with reserved representation in the Maneaba.
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