Speaker of the House of Assembly (Kiribati)
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The House of Assembly of Kiribati has a Speaker, a function adapted from the British Westminster model. The position was established by article 71 of the Constitution, when the country became independent from the United Kingdom.[1]
Article 71 states that the Speaker "shall be elected by the members of the Maneaba [House of Assembly] from among persons who are not members of the Maneaba". His or her function is to "preside at each sitting of the Maneaba" (art.72).
The website of the House of Assembly indicates that his "decision on a point of order is final. He is fully entitled to regulate the conduct of business in all matters not provided in the Rules of Procedure. He has the specific power to decide whether a bill or a motion pertains to money matters, which then requires a minister's signification. He may adjourn a sitting if there is no quorum after an objection is raised by a member".[2]
The Speaker is also a member of the Council of State, the purpose of which is to "perform the duties of the Beretitenti and other executive functions of Government when a motion of no confidence in the Beretitenti or the Government is supported in the Maneaba Ni Maungatabu."[2]
The current Speaker, following the 2007 parliamentary election, is Taomati Iuta.[3] He was re-elected in 2011.[4]
Speakers
| Name | Period |
|---|---|
| Hon. Rota Onorio | 1979 - 1982 |
| Hon. Matita Taniera | 1982 - 1987 |
| Hon. Beretitara Neeti | 1987 - 1994 |
| Hon. Tekiree Tamuera | 1994 - 2002 |
| Hon. Taomati Iuta | 2003[5] |
| Hon. Etera Teangana | 2003 - 2007 |
| Hon. Taomati Iuta | 2007 - |
Notes and references
- ↑ Constitution of Kiribati
- 1 2 "The Speaker", House of Assembly of Kiribati
- ↑ "Hon. Taomati Iuta - Speaker of Parliament (2007-2011)", Parliament of Kiribati
- ↑ "Viewpoint: Tong banks on his record to get him top job again", Islands Business, December 2011
- ↑ The Parliament born of the 2002 election sat briefly from January to March 2003, before voting to bring down the government in a motion of no confidence, and thus dissolving itself.