10 Sep 2004

Second confirmed seat in Cook Islands election

3:07 pm on 10 September 2004

The former deputy Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Ngamu Munokoa, is the second confirmed MP following the elections.

The final count for her Nikau/Panama constituency continued for much of the day.

Mrs Munokoa received a total of 442 votes to the Cook Islands party candidate, Mamapo Manuela's 173 votes.

These included 108 special votes.

Confirmation of her seat comes after Jim Marurai was returned unopposed in the Mangaia constituency of Ivi Rua.

The final counts for four more constituencies should be completed by the end of tomorrow.

Candidates are anxiously awaiting their outcome because the special votes could overturn preliminary results.

In ten seats, there are fewer than 20 votes between the leading candidates.