23 Dec 2015

Kiribati's Anote Tong to bow out of politics

4:50 pm on 23 December 2015

Kiribati's outgoing president, Anote Tong, is quitting politics, with his son, Vincent, standing in the Maiana Island seat he has held for many years.

Tong at Pacific Islands Forum in 2015

Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta

Mr Tong was first elected president by his parliamentary colleagues in 2003 and has now completed the three allowed four year terms.

Kiribati goes to the polls next week with other three former presidents, Ieremia Tabai, Teatao Teannaki and Teburoro Tito standing among more than 130 candidates.