Wikipedia

1974 Cook Islands general election

Early general elections were held in the Cook Islands on 3 December 1974. The result was a victory for the ruling Cook Islands Party (CIP), which won 14 of the 22 seats in the Legislative Assembly with 64% of the vote. The Democratic Party won the remaining eight seats. CIP leader Albert Henry remained Premier.

1974 Cook Islands general election
Cook Islands
← 1972 3 December 1974 1978 →
22 seats in the Legislative Assembly
13 seats needed for a majority
Party Leader Seats +/–
Cook Islands Albert Henry 14 −1
Democratic Thomas Davis 8 +1
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Premier before Premier after
Albert Henry
Cook Islands		 Albert Henry
Cook Islands

Background

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The early elections were called by Henry following a visit to New Zealand for the funeral of Prime Minister Norman Kirk, stating that he also wanted to hold a vote on self-government or integration into New Zealand.[1] A planned referendum would have seen voters given the options of independence, self-government or integration.[2] However, the referendum plans were later dropped.

Campaign

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Henry's government refused to allow the three thousand Cook Islanders living in New Zealand to vote by post, most of whom were expected to vote for the Democratic Party.[3] Henry also obstructed attempts to charter an Air New Zealand plane for voters to fly home.[4] However, the Democratic Party was able to charter an Air Nauru Boeing 727 to fly in some voters.[5] Voters paid their own fares, and the flights were open to all regardless of party affiliation.[5] The tactic was copied by the government at the next election, though with public money.

Democratic Party attempts to distribute leaflets to outer islands were also stopped by Henry.[4]

Results

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PartySeats+/–
Cook Islands Party14–1
Democratic Party8+1
Total220
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

By electorate

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Constituency Candidate Party Votes
Aitutaki–Manuae Geoffrey Henry Cook Islands 644
William Estall Cook Islands 628
Joseph Williams Cook Islands 628
Moeua Raela 188
Timote Turu 164
Tutai Mataiti 158
Atiu Vainerere Tangatapoto Democratic 267
Paul Tangata Democratic 259
Teariki Franco Mateariki 198
Mataki Kaiaruna 195
Mangaia Pokino Aberahama Democratic 427
Ngatupuna Matepi Democratic 414
Ngamokopuna Tomokino 143
Pukeiti Uritua 130
Manihiki George Frederick Ellis Jr. Cook Islands 108
Tihau Napara 76
Mauke Tupui Ariki Henry Cook Islands 196
Tupuna Ngaoire 54
Mitiaro Raui Pokoati Cook Islands 98
Ta Ngatoko 16
Penrhyn Tangaroa Tangaroa Democratic 186
Ben Samuel 38
Fred Ford 26
Puaikura William Heather Democratic 410
Tamataia Pera Cook Islands 409
Harry Napa 401
Taru Moana 388
Pukapuka–Nassau Inatio Akaruru Cook Islands 307
Mataora Tutai 56
Rakahanga Pupuke Robati Democratic 84
Turuta Temu 50
Takitumu Apenera Short Cook Islands 484
Tiakana Numanga Cook Islands 475
Taramai Tetonga Cook Islands 465
William Cowan 395
William Robert Hosking 395
Moerai Kekena 391
Te-au-o-Tonga Albert Henry Cook Islands 1,107
Thomas Davis Democratic 1,080
Eric Man Browne Cook Islands 1,055
Teanua Kamana Cook Islands 1,041
Tamarua Joseph Browne 1,031
Mana Strickland 1,026
Mani Browne 1,015
Tuoro Rangi Anguna 1,000
Source:[6][7][8]

Aftermath

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After the CIP lost their two-thirds majority and ability to amend the constitution, Henry threatened to take action against Democratic Party supporters working in the islands' civil service.[9]

When the newly elected Assembly convened, Marguerite Story was re-elected as Speaker.[10]

1977 Takitumu by-election

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An election was held on 22 December 1977 to fill the vacancy after the death of Tiakana Numanga.

CandidatePartyVotes%
Iaveta ShortDemocratic Party48551.49
Matapo MatapoCook Islands Party45748.51
Total942100.00
Source: The Cook Islands Gazette

References

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  1. ^ Towards self-government, or something Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1974, p7
  2. ^ Cooks have three roads to choose from at elections Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1974, p19
  3. ^ No votes for Cooks exiles in NZ Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1974, p90
  4. ^ a b Islander examines the rule of the House of Henry Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1976, p8
  5. ^ a b Davis, Tom (1992). Island Boy: An Autobiography. Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific. p. 443.
  6. ^ "The Cook Islands Gazette No. 81/74". Library of Congress. 24 December 1974.
  7. ^ "The Cook Islands Gazette No. 82/74". Library of Congress. 24 December 1974.
  8. ^ Pacific Islands Monthly
  9. ^ New year begins with a political bang in the Cooks Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1975, p4
  10. ^ The status quo Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1975, p21
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