Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing (born c. 1979) became an independent member of parliament in Kiribati in the 2024 election. She soon joined the Tobwaan Kiribati Party.
Ruth Cross Kwansing | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1979 |
| Nationality | Kiribati |
| Occupation | politician |
| Known for | Member of parliament |
| Political party | Tobwaan Kiribati Party |
Life
editKwansing was born in about 1979. In time she became a consultant and a supporter of action to control the climate. There were 114 people who were candidates for Kirimati's national assembly in 2024 and she was one of the eighteen female hopefuls.[1]
There were 22 candidates in her constituency and she came second in the first round with enough votes to join the second round. She was elected and she became an independent member of the 45-seat Maneaba ni Maungatabu (parliament) in Kiribati at her first attempt. There were three successful members elected to her South Tarawa constituency which is the largest in Kiribati. She was supportive of the large change that Kiribati made in 2019 when it switched its support from Taiwan to China. She argues that Kiribati's profile has increased as a result and that China's influence is not as big as an issue in Kiribati as it is to international observers.[2] She was one of only five women who were successfully elected. The others were Tessie Eria Lambourne, Lavinia Teatao Teem, Ruta Baabo Manate and former speaker Tangariki Reete.[3]
She had stood on a platform of "Peace, Health, and Prosperity". She was moved when she met President Taaneti Maamau who, like her, had just been elected. He was elected for his third term. Kwansing announced in September 2024 that she would be joining the Tobwaan Kiribati Party.[4]
References
edit- ^ Times, Island (2024-08-20). "Kiribati election: New candidate tells why voters should back her". Island Times. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ "Diplomatic switch from Taiwan to China 'a positive outcome', first-time Kiribati MP says". RNZ. 2024-08-23. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Reuters. "Kiribati Elections: Record 5 Women Elected to 45-seat Parliament". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Breaking News: " TUC MP will join the Tobwaan Kiribati Party"". BPA News. 2024-09-02. Retrieved 2024-11-11.