2010 Cook Islands general election

none Cook Islands 2006 2014 17 November 2010 All 24 seats in the Parliament 13 Cook Islands Party Henry Puna 43.80 16 7 Democratic Party (Cook Islands) Robert Wigmore 38.54 8 14 Prime Minister Jim Marurai Democratic Party (Cook Islands) Henry Puna Cook Islands Party A general election was held in the Cook Islands on 17 November 2010http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55297 Cook Islands leader announces election date Radio New Zealand International 2010-08-13 2010-08-13 to elect 24 MPs to the Cook Islands Parliament. The Cook Islands Party won 16 seats, a two-thirds majority.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/December/Wed01/local.htm#1011270107 CIP secures 16 seats Cook Islands News 2010-11-27 2010-12-05 2010-12-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20101207155642/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/December/Wed01/local.htm#1011270107 dead Voter turnout was 78%.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/December/Wed01/local.htm#1011270105 Voter turnout down Cook Islands News 2010-11-27 2010-12-05 2010-12-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20101207155642/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/December/Wed01/local.htm#1011270105 dead A binding referendum on whether the number of MPs should be reduced from 24 was held at the same time as the election.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55808 Cooks referendum during November election Radio New Zealand International 2010-09-10 2010-09-10 Background The Democratic Party government of Prime Minister Jim Marurai, which had governed since 2004, effectively collapsed in December 2009 after Finance Minister Terepai Maoate was sacked for his mishandling of a bid to buy the Toa fuel tank farm. This resulted in a mass-resignation of Democratic Party cabinet members,http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=51125 Cooks Deputy Prime Minister replaced, prompting a walkout Radio New Zealand International 2009-12-24 2009-12-24http://www.democookislands.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129:cabinet-ministers-resign-in-support-of-party-leader&catid=1:latest-news Cabinet Ministers Resign in Support of Party Leader Democratic Party - Cook Islands 2009-12-23 2009-12-25 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110709011911/http://www.democookislands.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129%3Acabinet-ministers-resign-in-support-of-party-leader&catid=1%3Alatest-news 2011-07-09 the expulsion of Marurai and his supporters, and the withdrawal of support for the government.http://www.democookislands.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=133:marurai-wilkie-coalition-falling-apart&catid=1:latest-news Marurai Wilkie coalition falling apart Democratic Party - Cook Islands 2009-12-31 2010-01-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111006221419/http://www.democookislands.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=133%3Amarurai-wilkie-coalition-falling-apart&catid=1%3Alatest-news October 6, 2011 Marurai then refused to reconvene Parliament in order to forestall a confidence vote.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52101 Cooks PM holds off parliament for another seven months Radio New Zealand International 2010-02-23 2010-11-18 A formal split in the Democratic Party was averted in June 2010 when a party conference readmitted Marurai and the other Cabinet members, and appointed Deputy Prime Minister Robert Wigmore as party leader, with Wilkie Rasmussen as his deputy.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=53968 New leadership for Cook Islands Democratic Party Radio New Zealand International 2010-06-03 2010-06-05 However, several senior MPs, including former leader Terepai Maoate and former President John Tangi subsequently failed to win reselection and ran as independents.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=56311 Former Cook Islands Prime Minister to run as independent Radio New Zealand International 2010-10-07 2010-10-07http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed08/other.htm#1009021009 Already on the campaign trail Cook Islands News 2010-09-02 2010-09-10 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716055309/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed08/other.htm#1009021009 2011-07-16 In the leadup to the election two sitting MPs announced their retirement: Piho Ruahttp://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed08/other.htm#1009021013 Rua stands down Cook Islands News 2010-09-02 2010-09-10 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716055309/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed08/other.htm#1009021013 2011-07-16 and Speaker of the House Mapu Taia. Both were members of the Democratic Party. Parliament was dissolved on 24 September.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=56066 Cook Islands parliament dissolved as country heads for November elections Radio New Zealand International 2010-09-24 2010-09-26 Candidate registration closed on 15 October. 70 candidates registered, including 24 from the Cook Islands Party, 23 from the Democrats, 6 from the Te Kura O Te ‘Au People's Movement and 16 independents.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed20/local.htm#1010160103 70 standing Cook Islands News 2010-10-16 2010-10-21 2010-10-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20101024102636/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed20/local.htm#1010160103 dead Of the 70 candidates, eight were women.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed20/other.htm#1010160908 Most candidates we’ve ever seen Cook Islands News 2010-10-16 2010-10-21 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101026023743/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed20/other.htm#1010160908 2010-10-26 Campaign The Democratic Party launched its campaign on October 7 in vaka Takitumuhttp://www3.cookislandsnews.com/2010/October/Wed06/local.htm#1010060102 Demo campaign kicks off Cook Islands News 2010-10-06 2010-10-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110708191449/http://www3.cookislandsnews.com/2010/October/Wed06/local.htm 2011-07-08 with the campaign slogan "Our Future. Now."http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed20/other.htm#1010160903 Demos bill manifesto as ‘playbook’ Cook Islands News 2010-10-16 2010-10-21 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101026023743/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed20/other.htm#1010160903 2010-10-26 The party promised stability, benefit increases, and public service cuts.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=56558 Democratic Party launches manifesto, vowing public sector cuts Radio New Zealand International 2010-10-20 2010-10-21 It contested every electorate except Arutanga-Nikaupara-Reureu. The Cook Islands Party launched their campaign on October 8, promising an increased child benefit, a $1000 "baby bonus", water tanks for every household and to address the cost of living.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed13/local.htm#1010090101 Election about shared dreams: CIP Cook Islands News 2010-10-09 2010-10-14 They also promised to prevent "reckless" public spending by making Ministers and public servants personally liable for any misspent funds.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/October/Wed13/local.htm#1010110105 No reckless spending: CIP Cook Islands News 2010-10-11 2010-10-14 Opinion polls On 11 September 2010, a poll of 182 voters conducted by the Cook Islands News reported that the Democratic Party had 33% support, the Cook Islands Party 26%, and independents 14%.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed15/local.htm#1009110106 76% want seats cut Cook Islands News 2010-09-11 2010-09-16 2012-06-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20120605035238/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed15/local.htm#1009110106 dead The margin of error of the poll was 7%.http://www.cinews.co.ck/2010/September/Wed15/features.htm#1009110804 Pollsters ready for the numbers game Cook Islands News 2010-09-11 2010-09-16 A poll of 100 Rarotongans conducted by the Cook Islands Herald on 1 November found that 24% named Democratic Party leader Robert Wigmore as their preferred Prime Minister, 18% preferred Wilkie Rasmussen, 8% Prime Minister Jim Marurai, 5% Cook Islands Party leader Henry Puna, 2% CIP deputy Teina Bishop and 10% others, with 33% undecided.http://www.ciherald.co.ck/articles/h536b.htm Top three choices all Demos Cook Islands Herald 2010-11-03 2010-11-09 Results The election resulted in a two-thirds majority for the Cook Islands Party.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57312 Final results give Cook Islands Party two-thirds majority Radio New Zealand International 2010-11-29 2010-11-29 Following the election, CIP leader Henry Puna was sworn in as Prime Minister.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57367 New Cook Islands PM sworn in Radio New Zealand International 2010-11-30 2010-12-01 Four electoral petitions were subsequently lodged, challenging the results in the electorates of Pukapuka-Nassau, Rakahanga, Tamarua and Vaipae-Tautu.http://www.ciherald.co.ck/articles/h541c.htm Range of issues tackled in hearings on electoral petitions Cook Islands Times 2010-12-08 2010-12-12 The petitions were heard in January and February 2011. The results in Rakahangahttp://www.cinews.co.ck/2011/February/Wed02/other.htm#1101280709 Court upholds Rakahanga result Cook Islands News 2011-02-02 2011-02-13 2011-07-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110707005837/http://www.cinews.co.ck/2011/February/Wed02/other.htm#1101280709 dead and Tamaruahttp://www.cinews.co.ck/2011/February/Wed02/local.htm#1102020104 CIP retains Tamarua seat Cook Islands News 2011-02-02 2011-02-13 were upheld. Pukapuka-Nassau held a new election in 2011. File:Cook Islands Parliament 2010.svg Cook Islands Party 3753 16 +9 Democratic Party 3302 8 –6 Party Tumu 160 0 New Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 145 0 New Independents 1208 0 –2 10346 0 ESG Cook-Islands, IFES By electorate Constituency Candidate Party Votes %NotesAkaoa Teariki Heather Cook Islands Party 203 53.42Re-electedTeremoana Tapi Taio Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 177 46.58Amuri-Ureia Toanui Isamaela Cook Islands Party 172 48.86ElectedTerepai Maoate Jnr Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 143 40.63UnseatedNgatuaine Tutai Tom Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 27 7.67John Tini Independent 10 2.84Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara Teina Bishop Cook Islands Party 186 55.52Re-electedMay Kavana Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 84 25.07Harold Arthur Browne Independent 65 19.40Avatiu-Ruatonga-Palmerston John Henry Cook Islands Party 269 46.86ElectedAlbert (Peto) Nicholas Party Tumu 160 27.87UnseatedSam Crocombe Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 135 23.52Mike Tavioni Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 10 1.74Ivirua Jim Marurai Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 69 93.24Re-electedMoe Lucre Cook Islands Party 5 6.76Manihiki Henry Puna Cook Islands Party 100 54.64ElectedApii Piho Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 73 39.89UnseatedRangi Mitaera Independent 10 5.46Matavera Kiriau Turepu Cook Islands Party 324 57.96ElectedCassey Eggelton Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 235 42.04UnseatedMauke Tai Tura Cook Islands Party 124 59.33ElectedHugh Richard Graham Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 85 40.67Mitiaro Tangata Vavia Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 65 60.19Re-electedTuakeu Tangatapoto Cook Islands Party 43 39.81Murienua Tom Marsters Cook Islands Party 193 42.70Re-electedJames Vini Beer Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 127 28.10Teariki Unuka Independent 75 16.59Angeline Tuara Independent 54 11.95Tepaki Nooapii Tepaki Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 3 0.66Ngatangiia Atatoa Herman Cook Islands Party 218 40.15ElectedMann Moetarauri Short Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 175 32.23Terepai Maoate Independent 150 27.62UnseatedNikao-Panama Ngamau Munokoa Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 255 39.97Re-electedTangee Tangi Kokaua Cook Islands Party 202 31.66Philip Vakariti Rongo Nicholas Independent 181 28.37Oneroa Winton Pickering Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 123 56.94Re-electedTangatataia Vavia Cook Islands Party 54 25.00Junior Areai Enoka Independent 39 18.06Penrhyn Wilkie Rasmussen Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 71 50.00Re-electedWillie John Independent 61 42.96Tini Ford Cook Islands Party 10 7.04Pukapuka-Nassau Tekii Lazaro Cook Islands Party 88 35.34ElectedVai Peua Independent 84 33.73UnseatedTai Ravarua Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 77 30.92Rakahanga Taunga Toka Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 30 51.72ElectedToka Hagai Cook Islands Party 28 48.28Ruaau William (Smiley) Heather Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 383 64.70Re-electedDavid Akanoa Cook Islands Party 169 28.55Ngamau-O-Rongo Tou Independent 40 6.76Takuvaine-Tutakimoa Mark Brown Cook Islands Party 344 63.70ElectedNgai Tupa Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 196 36.30UnseatedTamarua Pukeiti Pukeiti Cook Islands Party 31 50.82Re-electedAndy Matapo Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 30 49.18Mimau Tom Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 0 0.00Teenui-Mapumai Norman George Cook Islands Party 79 69.91Re-electedPukeiti Ngametua Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 34 30.09Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua Nandi Glassie Cook Islands Party 90 56.60Re-electedEugene Tatuava Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 69 43.40Titikaveka Robert Wigmore Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 328 45.81Re-electedTaivero Isamaela Cook Islands Party 228 31.84Teariki Matenga Jnr Independent 94 13.13Teava Iro Independent 66 9.22Tupapa-Maraerenga George Angene Cook Islands Party 430 44.51ElectedNooroa Tupa Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 263 27.23Timothy Paul Arnold Independent 181 18.74John Tangi Independent 92 9.52UnseatedVaipae-Tautu Mona Ioane Cook Islands Party 163 46.70ElectedKete Ioane Democratic Party (Cook Islands) 159 45.56UnseatedSimiona Teva Robert Te Kura O Te ʻAu People's Movement 21 6.02Punua Marsters Independent 6 1.72 See also 2010 Cook Islands Member of Parliament reduction referendum References Category:Elections in the Cook Islands Cook Category:2010 in the Cook Islands Cook