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AUCKLAND - The tiny South Pacific nation of Kiribati goes to the polls today.
One hundred and forty-six candidates are contesting the election for the 44-seat parliament.
Most come from either the ruling Boutokan te Koaua (Pillars of Truth) party or the main opposition party Maneaban Te Mauri (Protect the Maneaba).
Deputy clerk of the Kiribati government Eni Tekanene said both major parties had policies of seeking Australian help to fund education programs.
"Both parties are seeking more funding from Australia in terms of education. The two parties always agree on that," Tekanene said.
Kiribati, which declared independence from the UK in 1979, is made up of 33 islands, although only 21 are inhabited.
Many of its islands are low-lying and have been identified as being at risk from rising sea levels.
The country has a population of about 108,000, and 43,184 are registered to vote in today's election.
The president of Kiribati is chosen by popular vote from a list of candidates nominated by the parliament after a general election.
Chief electoral commissioner Rine Ueara said current president Anote Tong would stand for re-election.
- AAP
