Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau reacts during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on January 6, 2020. (MARK SCHIEFELBEIN / POOL / AFP)

SYDNEY - Incumbent Taneti Maamau has won the presidential election in Kiribati, Chief Justice Sir John Muria announced on Tuesday, according to state media Radio Kiribati.

Maamau will serve a second four-year term, also continuing his role as the country's foreign minister

"I hereby declare that the successful candidate and, therefore, the president-elect of Kiribati is Taneti Maamau," Muria said.

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"Congratulations Taneti Maamau and congratulations to the people of Kiribati."

Maamau of Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) won 26,053 votes while his rival Banuera Berina of the new Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party (BKM) had 17,866 votes.

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With Tuesday's election victory, Maamau will serve a second four-year term, also continuing his role as the country's foreign minister. He will be officially sworn-in at the Kiribati's Parliament House on Wednesday.

Maamau won his first presidential term in March 2016.