2021 Manihiki by-election

A by-election was held in the Cook Islands electorate of Manihiki on 5 May 2021.[1] The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Henry Puna in order to take up the job of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.[2]

On 7 April 2021 businessman Temu Okotai announced that he would contest the election as an independent.[3] On 8 April the Democratic Party announced Munokoa Maraeara as their candidate.[4] On 13 April the Cook Islands Party announced Akaiti Puna, wife of former MP Henry Puna, as their candidate.[5]

The election was won by Akaiti Puna.[6]

Results

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CandidatePartyVotes%
Akaiti PunaCook Islands Party8268.33
Munokoa MaraearaDemocratic Party3327.50
Temu OkotaiIndependent54.17
Total120100.00
Source: [7]

References

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  1. ^ Melina Etches (30 March 2021). "Parties mum on Manihiki by election candidates". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  2. ^ Losirene Lacanivalu (24 March 2021). "Puna bids farewell with some words of advice". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  3. ^ Caleb Fotheringham (7 April 2021). "CIP 'stalwart' enters Manihiki by-election as independent candidate". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Demos reveal Manihiki candidate". Cook Islands News. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  5. ^ Rashneel Kumar (13 April 2021). "Akaiti Puna named CIP candidate". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  6. ^ Rashneel Kumar (6 May 2021). "Akaiti Puna wins Manihiki by-election, CIP majority intact". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  7. ^ "The Cook Islands Gazette No. 31/2021" (PDF). 10 May 2021.