House of Assembly, National parliament in Ambo, Kiribati
The House of Assembly is the national legislative building in Bairiki, where elected representatives and government officials meet to pass laws. It sits near the lagoon with a white exterior and traditional Pacific-style roofing that reflects regional design.
The building grew out of an advisory council established in 1963 that became the national parliament after independence in 1979. It represents the shift from colonial rule to self-governance while maintaining connections to traditional gathering practices.
The parliament building incorporates elements of traditional Kiribati meeting houses, where representatives gather to discuss national matters following local customs.
The building is located on the lagoon side of Tarawa, making it accessible to visitors interested in the waterfront area. Since it remains an active government building, visitors should check local conditions beforehand to understand access possibilities.
This legislature combines British and American systems, with the President elected nationally and selecting cabinet members from parliament while maintaining local governance traditions.
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