Politics
Election: Petition meeting to determine next steps
Tuesday 29 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Political parties will find out today what the next steps are in regards to nine petitions filed in the High Court since the July 9 election outcome.
'Negative campaigning' swayed voters, says CIP
Tuesday 29 July 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Party is blaming its poor election outcome in Rarotonga on “saturated negative campaigning” from the Democratic Party.
$38,000 on post-election flights
Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Parliament paid $38,000 on charter flights to return candidates from the Northern Group islands to Rarotonga after this month’s general elections.
Puna accused of election bribery
Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has been formally accused of bribing Manihiki voters with outboard motors and free flights in the lead-up to the general election.
Mitiaro recount done, petition filed
Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Mitiaro voters could be heading back to the polling booths for a by-election after an official recount yesterday produced an unchanged spilt result.
Cabinet ministers accused of bribery
Saturday 26 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Two Cabinet Ministers from Prime Minister Henry Puna’s caretaker government are being accused of offering bribes to earn votes in the lead up to this month’s general elections.
PM: Government 'back in business'
Friday 25 July 2014 | Published in Politics
An eager, recently-elected Cook Islands Party government is ready to continue governing the nation for a second term, says Prime Minister Henry Puna.
Bribery allegations in Atiu petition
Friday 25 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Eight separate allegations of bribery, treating, and undue influence are laid out in court documents recently filed by defeated Atiu candidate Norman George.
Election: No date set for Mitiaro recount
Friday 25 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Officials with the Ministry of Justice have yet to set a date for a recount of votes in Mitiaro, which witnessed a tie in general elections held earlier this month.
Petition funds 'not CIP's business'
Thursday 24 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Accusations that the Democratic Party has received a $100,000 donation from a wealthy foreigner to assist with their election-related legal costs were brushed aside yesterday by Party President Sean Willis.
One Cook Islands 'corrupting' CIP MPs
Thursday 24 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna has accused One Cook Islands leader Teina Bishop of trying to lure recently-elected Cook Islands Party MP’s into his fold as part of a coalition government.
Political reform needed: Rasmussen
Wednesday 23 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Results from this month’s general elections are once again highlighting the need for political reform, says Democratic Party leader Wilkie Rasmussen along with a number of observers.
Govt continues in caretaker role
Wednesday 23 July 2014 | Published in Politics
With court challenges looming, Prime Minister Henry Puna’s newly-elected government will continue to operate in a caretaker role with limited spending powers.
Mystery votes due to walk-in electors
Tuesday 22 July 2014 | Published in Politics
The appearance of approximately 430 extra votes in the final count of this month’s general election has been attributed to an unexpected surge in declaratory votes.
Demos prepared to form coalition
Tuesday 22 July 2014 | Published in Politics
A defiant Wilkie Rasmussen is confident a number of court challenges currently in the works will tilt the results of the election in his team’s favour, ushering in a Democratic Party-led government.
Election: No petitions yet
Tuesday 22 July 2014 | Published in Politics
The first of a number of deadlines for filing petitions passed on Tuesday, with no contesting of final results by either major party.
Bishop slams Puna's '$22,000 flight'
Monday 21 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Travel arrangements that saw Prime Minister Henry Puna arrive from Manihiki on a chartered flight paid for with public funds have been slammed by Aitutaki MP Teina Bishop.
PM seeks to get new govt in motion
Monday 21 July 2014 | Published in Politics
A victorious Henry Puna arrived in Rarotonga over the weekend from Manihiki, days after being declared winner of the island’s seat in Parliament.
CIP wins majority in final count
Saturday 19 July 2014 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands Party has won a majority in Parliament after a dramatic final day of vote counting.
Mysterious votes in final count
Saturday 19 July 2014 | Published in Politics
Over 1200 votes were added to Election 2014’s preliminary results after final counting, raising public concern over the handling of special votes.