2017 Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston by-election

A by-election was held in the Cook Islands constituency of Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston on 18 May 2017. The by-election was precipitated by the resignation of Albert Nicholas. It was won by Albert Nicholas.[1]

Background

In the July 2014 general election the contest for Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston (or "RAPPA") saw sitting Cook Islands Party MP John Henry unseated by the Democratic Party challenger Albert Nicholas. Following the election, Nicholas switched his support to the government of Henry Puna in exchange for a position in cabinet.[2] He was subsequently expelled from the Democratic Party.[3] Continued controversy about the ethics of "vaka-jumping" saw him resign his seat in April 2017 in an effort to gain a new mandate.[4]

Nicholas was selected as the Cook Islands Party candidate, a decision which saw former CIP candidate John Henry run as an independent.[5] The Democrats selected Dr Teina Rongo, a former public servant.

The election was won by Albert Nicholas.[1]

Results
Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston by-election, 18 May 2017
Party Candidate Votes % ±
CIP Albert Nicholas 316 62.8%
DP Dr John Rongo 163 32.4%
Independent John Henry 24 4.8%
Turnout 503
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References
  1. "Cooks' Nicholas has big win in by-election". RNZ. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  2. Phillipa Webb (16 March 2015). "Nicholas jumps to the other side". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  3. "Defecting MP expelled from Cook Islands Democratic party". RNZ. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  4. "Resigned Cooks Minister expected to contest by-election". RNZ. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  5. Richard Moore (11 May 2017). "Voter backlash ahead - former RAPPA MP". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
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