Presidential elections were held in Kiribati on 17 February 1983. Four candidates were chosen from members of parliament: incumbent president Ieremia Tabai, vice-president Teatao Teannaki, who was an ally of Tabai, opposition member Tewareka Tentoa, and newly elected opposition member Harry Tong. Tabai was re-elected with 49.61% of the vote.
The 1983 election was held only one year after the previous election, having been triggered by a motion of no confidence against Tabai's government. The motion of no confidence was nominally about a bill adjusting the pay of government officials, but the opposition cited broader concerns with Tabai's economic policy. Turnout was only 69.3% of registered voters, which marked a significant decrease from the previous election. After winning re-election and serving a full term, Tabai went on to be re-elected again in 1987.