Explanatory note

This Order provides for the Constitution of the Gilbert Islands as an independent Republic under the name Kiribati, with effect from 12th July 1979. The Constitution provides for an elected legislature, an elected president and a Cabinet responsible to the legislature, and an independent judiciary and public service. It also makes provision for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, for citizenship, for finance, and contains a Chapter dealing with Banaba and the Banabans.