Cook Islands general election, 2006

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General elections were held in the Cook Islands on September 27, 2006 in order to elect 24 MPs to the Cook Islands Parliament. The Democratic Party remained in power, winning 15 of 24 seats. A total of 8,497 voters turned out to vote.

The election was called two years early after the ruling Democratic party lost its majority in Parliament. In July 2006, Environment Minister Teina Bishop resigned from Cabinet and joined the opposition Cook Islands Party.[1] Shortly afterwards, the Cook Islands Party won a by-election in Matevera, eliminating the government's majority.[1] The government pre-empted a formal vote of no-confidence by dissolving Parliament and calling an election.[2]

Cook Islands Party leader Sir Geoffrey Henry announced his retirement during the campaign, resulting in his replacement as leader of the opposition by Tom Marsters.[1] Cook Islands Party MP Wilkie Rasmussen switched his allegiance to the Democratic Party during the campaign, and the CIP was unable to nominate a replacement candidate. As a result, the seat of Penrhyn was unopposed.[1]

Initial results showed the Democratic Party winning 15 seats, and the Cook Islands Party 8, with one seat being held by an independent and one seat tied.[3] A number of electoral petitions were filed, resulting in by-elections being held in the seats of Akaoa and Titikaveka.[4]

Results

Party Totals

 Summary of the 26 September 2006 Cook Islands election results
Parties Votes % Seats
Democratic Party 4,420 52% 14
Cook Islands Party 3,846 45.3% 7
Independents 231 2.7% 2
Total 8,497 84.4 23
Source: Final results of the Cook Islands election 2006

The electorate of Akaoa was tied, resulting in a by-election.

Electorate Results

Cook Islands general election, 2006: Akaoa
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Teariki Heather 179 50.0
DP Keu Mataroa 179 50.0
Turnout 358 85.2
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Amuri-Ureia
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Terepai Maoate Jnr 214 56.6
CIP John Baxter 164 43.4
Turnout 378 88.1
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Teina Bishop 179 53.1
DP Ronald Henry 158 46.9
Turnout 337 80.4
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Avatiu-Ruatonga-Palmerston
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Albert (Peto) Nicholas 295 50.9
DP Sam Crocombe 284 49.1
Turnout 579 76.8
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Ivirua
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Jim Marurai 82 83.7
CIP Maara Peraua 16 16.3
Turnout 98 98.0
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Manihiki
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Apii Piho 115 51.1
CIP Henry Puna 110 48.9
Turnout 225 100.0
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Matavera
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Cassey Eggelton 279 51.2
CIP Kiriau Turepu 266 48.8
Turnout 545 94.8
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Mauke
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Mapu Taia 115 53.2
CIP George Cowan 101 46.8
Turnout 216 93.9
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Mitiaro
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Tangata Vavia 65 58.0
CIP Travel Tou Ariki 47 42.0
Turnout 112 94.1
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Murienua
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Tom Marsters 185 45.1
Independent Brett Porter 130 31.7
DP Poko Tuariki 95 23.2
Turnout 410 88.6
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Ngatangiia
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Terepai Maoate 295 62.1
CIP Willie Kauvai 180 37.9
Turnout 475 89.0
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Nikao-Panama
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Ngamau Munokoa 398 57.6
CIP Tangee Tangi Kokaua 293 42.4
Turnout 691 85.2
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Oneroa
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Winton Pickering 152 67.0
CIP Papa Metu Ruatoe 75 33.0
Turnout 227 96.6
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Penrhyn
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Wilkie Rasmussen Unopposed
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Pukapuka-Nassau
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Vai Peua 155 55.0
DP Tiaki Wuatai 127 45.0
Turnout 282 96.6
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Rakahanga
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent Piho Rua 42 60.0
DP David Alepha Greig 28 40.0
Turnout 70 94.6
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Rua'au
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP William (Smiley) Heather 364 56.6
CIP Vaine Iriano Wichman 279 43.4
Turnout 643 89.9
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Takuvaine-Tutakimoa
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Ngai Tupa 325 56.0
CIP Mark Brown 255 44.0
Turnout 580 81.7
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Tamarua
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Mii Parima 38 61.3
DP Andy Matapo 24 38.7
Turnout 62 95.4
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Teenui-Mapumai
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Norman George 85 63.0
DP Nellie Mokoroa 50 37.0
Turnout 135 92.5
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CIP Nandi Glassie 104 58.8
DP Eugene Tatuava 73 41.2
Turnout 177 97.3
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Titikaveka
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Robert Wigmore 325 50.4
CIP Tiki Matapo 276 42.8
Independent Tere Carr 44 6.8
Turnout 645 87.9
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Tupapa-Maraerenga
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP John Tangi 461 53.9
CIP Tupou Faireka 394 46.1
Turnout 855 87.6
Cook Islands general election, 2006: Vaipae-Tautu
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
DP Kete Ioane 212 53.4
CIP George Pitt 170 42.8
Independent Ngariki Bob 15 3.8
Turnout 397 84.3

Sources

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jonassen, Jon Tikivanotau M (2007). "Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events: Cook Islands". The Contemporary Pacific 20: 216–222. doi:10.1353/cp.2008.0015.
  2. ↑ "Cook Is parliament dissolved". TVNZ. 2006-07-25. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
  3. ↑ "Democratic Party gains majority in final results from Cook Islands election". Radio New Zealand International. 2006-10-05. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
  4. ↑ "The Cook Islands prepare for another by-election in the New Year". Radio New Zealand International. 2006-12-26. Retrieved 2009-03-25.