1 Jun 2011

Niue electoral petition still undecided

3:06 pm on 1 June 2011

A decision on an electoral petition in Niue, challenging the residential qualifications of two voters in the Makefu village seat, has been delayed, with the judge seeking more information.

The seat was won by Salilo Tongia in the island's poll nearly four weeks ago.

He got 16 votes to the 15 won by a former MP, Tofua Puletama, who brought the petition.

If the petition is successful and the votes are recounted, Mr Tongia could be ousted.

Judge Wilson Isaac reserved his decision after the hearing last week and has now returned to New Zealand.

Niue electoral officials say he's requested more information but a decision could be made by the end of this week.