9 Nov 2006

Cook Islands Democratic Party retains Mauke seat

6:54 pm on 9 November 2006

"

The Cook Islands Democratic Party has retained the southern island seat of Mauke after the electoral petition filed by the Cook Islands Party was dismissed.

The Democratic Party which won 14 of the 24 seats in the September general election has now won four of the six petitions filed against them.

He lost the petition over Avatiu with the CIP taking it by ten votes.

The chief registrar of electors, Terry Hagan, says the last petition hearings for Manihiki and Titikaveka will be heard next week.

"At this stage the intention is to travel north on Tuesday and return late Wednesday afternoon. But the Titikaveka petition will be heard on Friday or though there is a possibility that the judge may decide that will be dealt with by written submissions alone.

Terry Hagan.

Meanwhile, a by-election in Akaoa on Rarotonga will be held on the 28th of this month. This follows a drawn result in the September poll.