The Cook Islands Democratic Party has questioned the motive behind One Cook Islands Party’s move to associate “DEMO” in their campaign for Aitutaki seats.

In confirming their candidates for the nation’s 2022 General Elections, One Cook Islands Party president George Turia earlier this week saidToanui Isamaela for Amuri/Ureia and Teinakore (Teina) Bishop for Arutanga/Reureu/Nikaupara, will stand under the political banner of One Cook Islands and the Democratic Party (OCI/DEMO).

“This announcement should put to rest any speculation or rumours as to who would represent these two constituencies and which party they will be standing under,” said Turia.

Atina Currie Sawtell, secretary general of the Democratic Party, said given that there has been no agreement in either Arenikau or Te Au constituencies for a Democratic/OCI coalition, “one can only feel empathy for those crafting the idea that there is such a relationship”.

The truth is, Te Au and Arenikau constituencies are putting forward their own candidates to represent the Cook Islands Democratic Party – there is no OCI/Demo coalition whatsoever,” Sawtell said.

“From within these two constituencies, we are very confident with our own Democratic Party support.”

Terepai Maoate has been nominated to contest in Te Au constituency at the next election in 2022.

Sawtell said: “The Amuri/Ureia Committee has fully endorsed his nomination and furthermore have discredited any notion of a coalition with any other party contrary to what has been indicated by the One Cook Islands Party Movement.”

She said the Arenikau Democratic Party Committee had been established and their candidate would be announced in due course.

“To all our Democratic Party supporters, we thank you for your undivided support as we approach the next political election.”