3 Feb 2015

Cooks by-election candidate could go to New Zealand for treatment

11:14 am on 3 February 2015

The Cook Islands Democratic Party candidate for the upcoming by-election on Aitutaki could be transferred to New Zealand for medical treatment, after being admitted to hospital last week.

The Cook Islands Democratic Party candidate for the upcoming by-election on Aitutaki, Kete Ioane.

The Cook Islands Democratic Party candidate for the upcoming by-election on Aitutaki, Kete Ioane. Photo: Parliament of Cook Islands

Kete Ioane was admitted to hospital in Aitutaki early last week and on Friday was transferred to Rarotonga hospital.

It's not known why he's been admitted.

Mr Ioane is the opposition candidate for the by-election in one of Aitutaki's two electorates, which the opposition hopes will gain them an extra seat to form a coalition government.

The election is scheduled for the 17th of February.