Kiribati gained independence on 12 July 1979. Photo: Facebook / Visit Kiribati
The people of Kiribati, celebrating their 45th Independence Anniversary this weekend, will go to the polls next month to elect a new legislature, the Maneaba ni Maungatabu.
Kiribati gained independence on 12 July 1979.
The government has planned a three-week program - including sports events, singing and beauty contest - involving the whole community to celebrate the national day.
The US Embassy in Suva posted on X: "The United States is committed to partnering with Kiribati to create a future that is peaceful, prosperous, and secure."
"Our dedication to advancing our shared interests and collective commitment to democratic principles are central to all that we do together," US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said in a statement.
"Together, we are working to promote responsible and sustainable management of marine resources, to address the climate crisis, to strengthen people-to-people ties, and to increase economic opportunities for the people of Kiribati," he said.
Other countries and diplomatic missions have also share their congratulatory messages.
Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, sent her best wishes to the government and people of Kiribati as well.
"Australia and Kiribati share a vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific and we're working together to achieve it," she wrote on X, sharing a picture herself with President Taneti Maamau.
Meanwhile, the first round of voting for the 45 seats and the presidency is on Wednesday, 14 August, with the second round set for the following Monday, the 19th.
Candidates will be contesting mostly single member seats, but there are a number of seats that select multiple MPs.
A second round of voting is needed when no candidate achieves 50 percent of the vote in the first round.