14 Oct 2002

The Kiribati government has suffered a rare parliamentary defeat

11:37 am on 14 October 2002

The Kiribati government has suffered a rare parliamentary defeat at one of the last sessions before next month's general elections.

The second reading of a government bill to amend the Constitution was rejected because it failed to gain the two thirds support needed.

Opposition MPs had criticised the amendments, which included the chief justice being replaced by the Attorney General on the Council of State.

An opposition MP has described the vote as the first victory over the government of Teburoro Tito.