Taneti Maamau Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koro Vaka'uta
Taneti Maamau has been re-elected as the President of Kiribati for a third term.
The I-Kiribati people went to the polls on Friday for the presidential elections to pick one of three candidates; Maamau, who has held the role for the past eight years, along with Bauntaake Beia and Kaotitaake Kokoria.
But there was late drama after Kokoria brokeaway from the ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) to form his own alliance.
According to a report by voanews.com, the New Zealand's High Commissioner in Kiribati said Maamau won about 55 percent of the vote, while Kokoria won 42 percent.
"Kiribati's chief justice, Tetiro Semilota, declared Maamau the winner and congratulated him," the report said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was the first Pacific leader to publicly congratulate Taneti Maamau.
"Warm congratulations to President Maamau on the Kiribati election results," he rote on X.
"We look forward to working with the Government of Kiribati to deliver on our shared priorities," he added.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters also took to X to congratulate Maamau.
"Best wishes to President Maamau on your re-election. We look forward to working with you to continue strengthening the warm relationship between Kiribati and New Zealand."
Kiribati first-time MP, Ruth Cross Kwansing, who was elected as an indepedent in August, but has since joined Maamau, congratulated him for being re-elected.
"May God continue to bless and guide your leadership and our TKP Family as we serve abara Kiribati! (sic)," she wrote on Facebook.
Kwansing, right, with Taneti Maamau, middle looking at camera. 26 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / Ruth Cross Kwansing