3 Dec 2010

Democrats lodge two Cooks election petitions

4:12 pm on 3 December 2010

Two electoral petitions have been filed by the Democratic Party in the Cook Islands.

The petition against the Cook Islands Party's Pukeiti Pukeiti in the Tamarua seat in Mangaia alleges a number of electors were not eligible to vote.

An allegation of bribery has been made in the petition against Cook Islands Party Mona Ioane.

Mr Ioane has been accused of using his position in the Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal committee to gain votes.

The Committee ran an international fundraising appeal for Aitutaki after a cyclone devastated the island earlier this year.

Some of the money raised was used to purchase much needed water tanks for the island.

Mr Ioane has publicly denied the allegations.