The Cook islands parliament has passed a controversial amendment to the constitution.
The requirement for candidates standing in general elections to reside in the country for a three month period has now been abolished.
The amendment is widely perceived to be aimed at saving the overseas seat for independent, Dr Joe Williams, who lives permanently in New Zealand.
17 MPs voted for the amendment with six against and two absent, and the clerk of parliament says this meets the two-thirds majority necessary for it to become law.
The opposition leader, Dr Terepai Maoate, says he remains opposed to amending the constitution.
"I did not support it....I see this as a special amendment to suit one person who is the standing member at the moment."
Dr Williams is known to have lobbied to have the constitution changed so he doesn't have to spend three months in the Cook Islands to qualify as a candidate.
