Early parliamentary elections were held in Kiribati on 12 January 1983, with a second round on 19 January.[1] All candidates for the 36 seats ran as independents. Voter turnout was 79.9%.
Background
After the government of Ieremia Tabai was defeated 20–15 on a bill on equalising civil servants' salaries on 9 December 1982, Tabai brought back the same bill the following day, including a vote of confidence. After the government lost again, early elections were called.[2]
Results
Ten incumbent MPs lost their seats, including Minister for Health Ataraoti Bwebwenibure and Minister for the Line and Phoenix Group Ieremia Tata.[3]
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independents | 36 | |||
| Total | 36 | |||
| Total votes | 19,995 | – | ||
| Registered voters/turnout | 25,011 | 79.94 | ||
| Source: Nohlen et al. | ||||
Aftermath
In the February presidential election, Tabai was re-elected president. Matita Taniera was re-elected Speaker and Teato Teannaki was appointed Vice President.[4]