2018 Cook Islands general election
{{Infobox legislative election
| country = Cook Islands
| previous_election = 2014
| election_date = 14 June 2018
| next_election = 2022
| seats_for_election= All 24 seats in Parliament
| majority_seats = 13
| party1 = Cook Islands Party
| leader1 = Henry Puna
| last_election1 = 12
| seats1 = 10
| percentage1 = 42.30
| party2 = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
| leader2 = Tina Browne
| last_election2 = 10
| seats2 = 11
| percentage2 = 41.91
| party3 = One Cook Islands Movement
| leader3 = Teina Bishop
| last_election3 = 2
| seats3 = 1
| percentage3 = 10.81
| party4 = Independents
| leader4 = –
| last_election4 = 0
| seats4 = 2
| percentage4 = 3.77
| map = 2018 Cook Islands general election.png
| map_caption = Results of the election by constituency.
| title = Prime Minister
| posttitle = Prime Minister after election
| before_election = Henry Puna
| before_party = Cook Islands Party
| after_election = Henry Puna
| after_party = Cook Islands Party
}}{{Politics of the Cook Islands}}
General elections were held in the Cook Islands on 14 June 2018 to elect the 24 members of the 17th Cook Islands Parliament.[https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/354929/cook-island-elections-to-be-held-on-june-14 Cook Island elections to be held on June 14] Radio NZ, 13 April 2018{{cite web |title=Members of Parliament (1958 - present) |url=https://parliament.gov.ck/our-people/members/ |website=parliament.gov.ck |publisher=Parliament of the Cook Islands |access-date=14 January 2024}}
The nationalist Cook Islands Party, led by the Prime Minister, Henry Puna, attempted to win a third consecutive term in government. However, the elections resulted in a hung parliament, with the opposition Democratic Party led by Tina Browne becoming the largest party, although Browne failed to win a seat, losing in Rakahanga constituency.
The Democratic Party won 11 seats, the Cook Islands Party 10 seats, One Cook Islands Movement one seat, with independent candidates winning two seats.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/politics/item/69710-2018-general-election-live-blog|title=2018 General Election Live Blog|website=Cook Islands News}} Following the election, the Cook Islands Party joined forces with the independents and One Cook Islands to retain power.{{cite web |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/361512/cook-islands-cabinet-revealed |title=Cook Islands Cabinet revealed |publisher=Radio New Zealand International |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=10 July 2018}}
Electoral system
The Cook Islands a self-governing island country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. Its government uses the Westminster system, with the 24 members of the Parliament of the Cook Islands elected from single-member constituencies by first-past-the-post voting.[http://www.mfem.gov.ck/oldsite/images/MFEM_Documents/Statistics_Docs/Cook_Islands_Election_2014_in_Brief.pdf Cook Islands 2014 elections in brief] Electoral Office The Parliamentary term is four years. As of 12 June 2018, there were 10,917 people enrolled to vote in the elections.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mfem.gov.ck/elections|title=Cook Islands Elections|website=Ministry of Finance and Economic Management}}
Results
Final results were published on 28 June.
{{Election results
|image=File:Cook Island 2018.svg
|party1=Cook Islands Party|votes1=3654|seats1=10|sc1=–2
|party2=Democratic Party|votes2=3620|seats2=11|sc2=+1
|party3=One Cook Islands Movement|votes3=934|seats3=1|sc3=–1
|party4=Titikaveka Oire|votes4=97|seats4=0|sc4=0
|party5=Alternative Must Ravenga Openga|votes5=7|seats5=0|sc5=New
|party6=Independents|votes6=326|seats6=2|sc6=+2
|invalid=
|total_sc=0
|electorate=
|source=Cook Islands Gazette{{Cite web |date=28 June 2018 |title=The Cook Islands Gazette No. 36/2018 |url=https://parliamentci.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Gazette-No.-36-Public-Notice-Number-8.pdf |website=Parliament of the Cook Islands}}
}}
=By electorate=
{{Election box begin| title=Akaoa}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Nooroa o Teariki Baker
|votes = 233
|percentage = 53.8
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Teariki Heather
|votes = 200
|percentage = 46.2
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 433
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|loser = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Amuri–Ureia}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Terepai Maoate Jnr
|votes = 192
|percentage = 59.3
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Toanui Isamaela
|votes = 132
|percentage = 40.7
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 324
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|loser = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Arutanga–Reureu–Nikaupara}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Tereapii Maki-Kavana
|votes = 180
|percentage = 51.6
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = One Cook Islands Movement
|candidate = Pumati Israela
|votes = 169
|percentage = 48.4
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 349
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|loser = One Cook Islands Movement
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Albert Nicholas
|votes = 305
|percentage = 52.9
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Teina Rongo
|votes = 272
|percentage = 47.1
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 577
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Ivirua}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Anthony Toruariki Armstrong
|votes = 52
|percentage = 61.2
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Marion Harry
|votes = 33
|percentage = 38.8
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 85
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Manihiki}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Henry Puna
|votes = 97
|percentage = 74.0
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Apii Piho
|votes = 34
|percentage = 26.0
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 131
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Matavera}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Vaitoti Tupa
|votes = 298
|percentage = 51.8
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Kiriau Turepu
|votes = 277
|percentage = 48.2
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 575
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|loser = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Mauke}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Tai Tura
|votes = 68
|percentage = 39.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = One Cook Islands Movement
|candidate = Tungane Williams
|votes = 67
|percentage = 38.5
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Belezadala Tangata William Tararo
|votes = 39
|percentage = 22.4
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 174
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Mitiaro}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Tuakeu Tangatapoto
|votes = 58
|percentage = 53.7
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Tangata Vavia
|votes = 50
|percentage = 46.3
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 108
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|loser = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Murienua}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Patrick Arioka
|votes = 223
|percentage = 50.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = James Beer
|votes = 152
|percentage = 34.2
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = One Cook Islands Movement
|candidate = Teariki Taraare Unuka
|votes = 70
|percentage = 15.7
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 445
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|loser = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Ngatangiia}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Tamaiva Tuavera
|votes = 278
|percentage = 54.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Tukaka Ama
|votes = 236
|percentage = 45.9
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 514
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Nikao–Panama}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Vaine Mokoroa
|votes = 511
|percentage = 65.3
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Ngamau Munokoa
|votes = 271
|percentage = 34.6
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 782
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|loser = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Oneroa}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Wesley Kareroa
|votes = 118
|percentage = 67.4
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Teina Ngametuatoe
|votes = 57
|percentage = 32.6
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 175
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Penrhyn}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = Robert Tapaitau
|votes = 54
|percentage = 46.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Willie John
|votes = 34
|percentage = 29.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Wilkie Rasmussen
|votes = 29
|percentage = 24.8
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 117
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Independent (politician)
|loser = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Pukapuka–Nassau}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Tingika Elikana
|votes = 143
|percentage = 52.4
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Junior Willie Katoa
|votes = 130
|percentage = 47.6
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 273
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Rakahanga}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Toka Hagai
|votes = 39
|percentage = 61.9
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Tina Browne
|votes = 24
|percentage = 38.1
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 63
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Ruaau}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = William (Smiley) Heather
|votes = 354
|percentage = 53.7
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Arama Joseph Wichman
|votes = 305
|percentage = 46.3
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 659
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Takuvaine–Tutakimoa}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Mark Brown
|votes = 321
|percentage = 66.2
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Teokotai George
|votes = 155
|percentage = 32.0
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = George Pitt
|votes = 9
|percentage = 1.9
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 485
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Tamarua}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Tetangi Matapo
|votes = 31
|percentage = 59.6
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Mia Teaurima
|votes = 21
|percentage = 40.4
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 52
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Teenui–Mapumai}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = Rose Toki-Brown
|votes = 77
|percentage = 66.4
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Tereapii Porio
|votes = 31
|percentage = 26.7
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Tania Akai
|votes = 8
|percentage = 6.9
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 116
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Independent (politician)
|loser = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Tengatangi–Areora–Ngatiarua}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Te-Hani Brown
|votes = 71
|percentage = 56.3
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Nandi Glassie
|votes = 48
|percentage = 38.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate|
|party = Alternative Must Ravenga Openga
|candidate = Norman George
|votes = 7
|percentage = 5.6
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 126
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|loser = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Titikaveka}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Selina Napa
|votes = 225
|percentage = 31.6
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Moeroa Thomas-Tamangaro
|votes = 184
|percentage = 25.8
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = Margharet Matenga
|votes = 138
|percentage = 19.4
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate|
|party = Titikaveka Oire
|candidate = Teava Iro
|votes = 97
|percentage = 13.6
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = One Cook Islands Movement
|candidate = John Tumutoa
|votes = 69
|percentage = 9.7
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 713
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Tupapa–Maraerenga}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = One Cook Islands Movement
|candidate = George Angene
|votes = 559
|percentage = 53.8
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Lee Harmon
|votes = 433
|percentage = 41.6
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = Teresa Manarangi-Trott
|votes = 48
|percentage = 4.6
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 1040
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = One Cook Islands Movement
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin| title=Vaipae–Tautu}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|candidate = Kitai Teinakore
|votes = 171
|percentage = 53.1
|change = }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Cook Islands Party
|candidate = Mona Ioane
|votes = 151
|percentage = 46.9
|change = }}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = 322
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (Cook Islands)
|loser = Cook Islands Party
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
=By island=
=Seats changing hands=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" | Seat ! colspan="4" | Pre-election ! colspan="4" | Post-election |
| style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Party ! Member ! Percentage ! Percentage ! Member ! colspan="2" | Party |
| Akaoa
! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | | CIP | style="text-align:right;" | 52.1 | style="text-align:right;" | 53.8 ! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | |
| Amuri-Ureia
! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | | CIP | style="text-align:right;" | 57.8 | style="text-align:right;" | 59.3 ! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | |
| Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara
! style="background-color: {{party color|One Cook Islands Movement}}" | | OCI | style="text-align:right;" | 68.2 | style="text-align:right;" | 51.6 | CIP ! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | |
| Matavera
! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | | CIP | style="text-align:right;" | 51.2 | style="text-align:right;" | 51.8 ! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | |
| Mitiaro
! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | | style="text-align:right;" | 50.5 | style="text-align:right;" | 53.7 | CIP ! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | |
| Murienua
! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | | style="text-align:right;" | 50.4 | style="text-align:right;" | 50.1 | CIP ! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | |
| Nikao-Panama
! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | | style="text-align:right;" | 64.1 | style="text-align:right;" | 65.3 | CIP ! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | |
| Penrhyn
! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | | style="text-align:right;" | 46.6 | style="text-align:right;" | 46.1 ! style="background-color: {{party color|Independent}}" | |
| Teenui-Mapumai
! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | | CIP | style="text-align:right;" | 54.6 | style="text-align:right;" | 66.4 ! style="background-color: {{party color|Independent}}" | |
| Tengatangi-Areora-Ngatiarua
! style="background-color: {{party color|Cook Islands Party}}" | | CIP | style="text-align:right;" | 54.7 | style="text-align:right;" | 56.3 ! style="background-color: {{party color|Democratic Party (Cook Islands)}}" | |
Aftermath
Although the Democratic Party won the most seats, neither leader Tina Browne nor Deputy Leader James Beer were elected to Parliament. The constitution of the Cook Islands requires the Prime Minister to be a member of parliament.[http://www.paclii.org/cgi-bin/sinodisp/ck/legis/num_act/cotci327/cotci327.html?stem=&synonyms=&query=cotci327 Article 13.2.a] Constitution
On 7 July the Cook Islands party formed an alliance with independent MPs Rose Toki-Brown and Robert Tapaitau, and One Cook Islands movement's George Maggie to retain power.{{cite web |url=http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/politics/item/69960-cip-set-to-maintain-power |title=CIP set to maintain power |author=Rashneel Kumar |publisher=Cook Islands News |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=10 July 2018}} Toki-Brown, Tapaitau and Maggie were all appointed to Cabinet, replacing Ministers who had lost their seats.
Six electoral petitions were filed, challenging the results in Rakahanga, Murienua, Pukapuka-Nassau, Avatiu-Ruatonga-Palmerston, Ngatangiia, and Mauke.{{cite web |url=http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/politics/item/69961-democratic-party-files-four-out-of-six-petitions |title=Democratic Party files four out of six petitions |author=Rashneel Kumar |publisher=Cook Islands News |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=10 July 2018}} However, all of these petitions were rejected, confirming the result of the election.{{cite web |last1=Bamber |first1=Shaun |title=Rakahanga petition fails |url=http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/politics/item/70673-rakahanga-petition-fails |website=Cook Islands News |access-date=11 September 2018}} Rakahanga MP Toka Hagai resigned on 1 November 2018 after allegations of treating.{{cite web |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/375334/cook-islands-mp-resigns-amid-legal-action |title=Cook Islands MP resigns amid legal action |publisher=RNZI |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=7 November 2018}} In December 2018 the Court of Appeal ruled that Tina Browne had won the seat.{{cite web |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/378387/browne-wins-cook-islands-election-petition-on-appeal |title=Browne wins Cook Islands election petition on appeal |publisher=Radio New Zealand International |date=17 December 2018 |access-date=9 January 2019}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Cook Islands elections}}
Category:Elections in the Cook Islands
Category:Election and referendum articles with incomplete results