If no candidate receives 50% of the valid votes cast, a run-off election is held within a week of the original.

In a multi-member district with three seats vacant, the top five candidates from the first election will advance to the run-off.

[10] The 2011 Kiribati election marked a milestone for women in politics in the South Pacific, with many saying that the mock parliament was instrumental in giving them the courage and experience needed to run for public office.

[11] The United Coalition Party formed from a group of independents and has become the main opposition to the Pillars of Truth.

Though political parties exist, they tend to be loosely organized and lack fixed ideologies or formal platforms.

Geography, tribal ties, personal loyalties, and relative climate change impact have a larger say in political ideology than any one party.

The United Coalition Party did not receive any seats, losing 7 since the last election; however, merged with Karikirakean Tei-Kiribati.

[14] After the first round of the election, three people came forward and announced their intent to run for president of Kiribati.

Anote Tong from Maiana ran with Maere Tekanene from South Tarawa for the Pillars of Truth party.

Chinese military ambitions in the Pacific and recognition of Taiwan have been concerns for the parliament and presidential candidates alike.

Chinese-owned businesses had sharply increased during the time of the preceding parliament, raising concerns over possible corruption related to Chinese immigration, work status, and investment.