| GENERAL INFORMATION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
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Local government in Kiribati is enshrined in the constitution with the main legislative text being the Local Government Act of 1984 (amended in 2006). This act provides for the election of local councils and allows traditional forms of government to play an important role in localities as they are allocated one seat on the council. Within the two main island groups the Gilbert and Line - Phoenix groups local government is established through a variety of councils all under the supervision of the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs. There is a division between rural and urban councils. Every inhabited island has a rural or island council of which there are 18. In addition there are three urban councils including the capital, Tarawa which has the status of a township. Although the legal status of urban and rural councils is equal their individual responsibilities vary in fields such as water supply, education and local infrastructure. Local government elections were held in 2008 and are valid for a period of four years where after a new council and a chief councilor will be elected.
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The Local Government Act of 1984 is the guiding document for local government on Kiribati and outlines the establishment of councils, electoral procedures but also the financial provisions connected to local government. Although local government has discernible legislative powers cooperation between central and local government often results in a division of responsibilities for example administrative and executive. The Act was amended several times in 1995 and 2006 providing a council seat for an elected member of a traditional authority and changing the elective period for council members from two to four years.
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The administrative and legislative structure of local government in Kiribati provides a solid basis for the country to further improve the capacity of localities. The central government in cooperation with international organizations is working hard to improve the standards of local governments. The Kiribati Sustainable Towns Programme aims at tackling problems arising from urbanization such as the improvement of water supplies, waste disposal and infrastructure. Other development concerns for example the standardization of local bye-laws and training programs for locally elected leaders.
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Local Government Associations
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More information will follow.
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National Local Government Partners
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Minister for Local Government within the Ministry for Internal Affairs and Social Development (no website)
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Regional Local Government Representation
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More information will follow.
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DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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