Two political parties in Kiribati have merged to form the Tobwaan Kiribati Party.
Karikirakean Te I-Kiribati, which is led by a former president Teburoro Tito, and Maurin Kiribati have formed a coalition ahead of next Friday's parliamentary meeting, the first since the election.
The new party is to meet soon to nominate a candidate for the presidential election, which is expected to be held in early March.
Voters will have to choose a successor to Anote Tong who has served the maximum three terms allowed.
In the two rounds to elect a new parliament, 22 of the 44 seats were filled with newcomers.
