The ousted Democratic Party member for the Cook Islands electorate of Ngatangiia, Sir Terepai Maoate, says he'll hold a meeting with his constituents next Tuesday to decide his next move.
The former Prime Minister's loss of the constituency by 10 votes to a political newcomer, Mann Short, in last night's run-off followed claims of a lack of transparency in Sir Terepai's re-nomination in May.
Sir Terepai says it's now a matter of accepting the result and that the party's leader has asked for his support.
When asked if he intends to stand as an independent he said any plans for the future would be discussed at next week's meeting.
