Kiribati Holds Election in Test for Pro-China Government
The Pacific Island nation of Kiribati is holding elections. President Taneti Maamau and his majority in parliament face challenges, including inflation and increased scrutiny over the country's deepening relationship with China.
Transcript
00:00Kiribati is heading to the polls in a vote that will determine the future of the current pro-China government.
00:06The Pacific Island nation, located northeast of Australia, has 45 parliamentary seats up for election.
00:14It's a process that often takes months.
00:17The election comes at a crucial time for the country,
00:19which is facing inflation and increased scrutiny over deepening relations with China.
00:25Kiribati President Teneti Maomao, who has held power for over a decade,
00:30broke ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing in 2019.
00:34The election has brought heavier restrictions on foreign visitors,
00:38including a decision not to accept Taiwanese passports, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry.