Kiribati says it will rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum after leaving it last year in a dispute over leadership succession.

Government suspends three retired New Zealand judges on its court of appeals. Chief Justice William Hastings and Justice David Lambourne, whom the government attempted to deport to his native Australia, were suspended earlier this year. Now the country no high court or appeals court judges. The three appeals court justices had recently ruled against the removal of Lambourne, who is married to the daughter of the opposition party leader. Hastings had previously ruled in favor of Lambourne. President Taneti Maamau has recently criticized judges through his adminstration’s Facebook page.

Kiribati withdraws from regional meeting, the Pacific Islands Forum, citing disagreement with a recent agreement involving Micronesia. China and the US are contending for influence in the region.

Government declares a state of disaster due to drought.

New Zealand agrees to help islanders of Banaba, Kiribati, who suffer from frequent severe droughts.

President of Palau Tommy Remengesau Jr. announces he will be hosting an in-person summit meeting with the leaders of Kiribati, Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Nauru's President Lionel Aingimea says the leaders agreed to attend Palau's Independence Day on October 1 as the five Pacific countries remain free of COVID-19.

Maamau wins substantial majority of the vote.

Voting for president. The main issue is whether to continue recognition of Taiwan. President Taneti Maamau of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party changed to breaking with Taiwan. China has pledged about $4.2 million to Kiribati for “livelihood projects.” The opposition leader is Banuera Berina who left the Tobwaan Kiribati Party after Maamau’s switch and became chairman of the Kiribati First (Kiribati Moa) Party and supports continuing relations with Taiwan.

Most government ministers retain their seats, including caretaker president Maamau. Maamau’s TKP party won the most seats, the fourteen new MPs will create new cross-party alliances and it is not clear Maamau will retain his office. Four women, a new high, were elected.

Most government ministers retain their seats, including caretaker president Maamau. Maamau’s TKP party won the most seats, the fourteen new MPs will create new cross-party alliances and it is not clesar Maamau will retain his office. Four women, a new high, were elected.

First round of House of Assembly elections. The House comprises 46 members; 44 are elected in in 23 constituencies with one or more seats in two rounds. One other member is elected by the Rabi Council of Leaders, and the Attorney General is an ex officio member. A Speaker who is not one of the members is elected after the elections. The Speaker does not participate in House votes. A second round will be held on 4/21.

Kiribati postpones elections for one week due to COVID-19 pandemic. There are no known cases in the country, but services have been interrupted. Caretaker president Taneti Maamau is running to remain in office. Vincent Tong, the son of former President Anote Tong, is also running, as well as the country's first President, Ieremia Tabai.

Ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party loses its majority in parliament after change about Taiwan. It now can count on only 20 of 46 members of the House of Assembly. Former Tobwaan Kiribati Party member Banuera Berina has formed the Kiribati First (Kiribati Moa) Party after breaking with the Tobwaan Kiribati and the party has thirteen seats. The other opposition party, Boutokaan te Koaua (BTK Party), also has 13 seats.

President Taneti Maamau criticizes Australia for ignoring the effects of climate change on Pacific islands.

Government ends recognition of Taiwan and establishes relations with China.