General elections were held in the Cook Islands on 2 November 1983. The result was a victory for the Democratic Party, which won 13 of the 24 seats. A coalition government was formed with the opposition Cook Islands Party, with Democratic Party leader Thomas Davis as prime minister and CIP leader Geoffrey Henry as deputy prime minister. Henry was later replaced with Terepai Maoate.
Background In the March 1983 elections, the CIP had won a 13–11 majority in Parliament, resulting in CIP leader Geoffrey Henry becoming prime minister. Shortly after the elections, the Democratic Party MP for Atiu lost their seat after a successful petition against the result in the constituency, increasing the CIP majority to three. A court case also began as Henry had failed to resign from office within the first seven days of the parliamentary session and seek re-appointment, as required by the constitution. This was initially viewed as a technicality due to the CIP majority in Parliament. However, in July CIP MP Matapo Matapo died and Tupui Henry left the CIP to sit with the Democratic Party, resulting in an 11–11 tie. The final verdict of the Court of Appeal was announced on 29 July, requiring Henry to resign.
Without a majority, Henry resigned on 2 August. Queen's Representative Gaven Donne convened a series of votes to determine who could attain a parliamentary majority, with the vote on 10 August ending as 11 each for Geoffrey and Tupui Henry. With the Atiu by-election – almost certain to be won by the Democratic Party – due on 12 August, Donne asked the two leaders to wait until the by-election for Matapo's seat before a government was appointed. Tupui Henry and Leader of the Opposition Vincent Ingram agreed in the belief that they could win Matapo's former constituency. However, Geoffrey Henry declined. This resulted in Donne dissolving Parliament on 17 August, calling fresh elections for November, and appointing Geoffrey Henry as caretaker prime minister with restricted powers.Cook Islands 1983: The year of voting repeatedly Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1983, p18
Campaign Prior to the elections, Tupui Henry formed a new party, the Cook Islands Party for Alliance, which put forward seven candidates.Mirror image change of government in the Cook Islands Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1983, pp51–52 The Unity Party nominated three candidates, one of whom withdrew before polling day. Following the elections earlier in the year, the CIP did not publish a new manifesto as its policies had not changed.
Results Deputy Prime Minister George Ellis and minister Fanaura Kingstone were amongst the incumbent MPs losing their seats.
By electorate
Constituency Candidate Votes %Amuri–Ureia Kura Strickland 154 54.04Paora Teiti 99 34.74Joseph Williams 32 11.23Arutanga–Reureu–Nikaupara Ngereteina Puna 186 58.31Tatevano Tatevano 105 32.92Nikau Tangaroa 28 8.78Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston Thomas Davis 234 50.00Rei Jack 227 48.50Louise Eikura Graham 7 1.50Ivirua Papamama Pokino 119 75.32Taataiti Tangatakino 39 24.68Manihiki Ebinisa Ben Toma 112 53.85George Frederick Ellis Jr. 95 45.67Temu Ngarima George 1 0.48Matavera William Papa Cowan 148 51.93Ngatungane Maximus Pierre 137 48.07Mauke Vaine Tereapii Tairea 95 35.19Mana Strickland 79 29.26Temaeva Karati 61 22.59Tupui Ariki Henry 35 12.96Mitiaro Ngatupuna David 67 54.47Tiki Tetava 56 45.53Murienua Jimmy Mareiti 286 52.38William Heather 198 36.26Hugh McCrone Ngamata Henry 62 11.36Ngatangiia Terepai Maoate 177 75.32Iaveta Short 166 24.68Nikao–Panama Vincent Ingram 320 55.94Tina Pupuke Browne 252 44.06Oneroa Matepi Toru Matepi 239 76.36Metuakore Ruatoe 74 23.64Penrhyn Tangaroa Tangaroa 162 65.32Tini Soa Joseph Snr. 86 34.68Pukapuka–Nassau Inatio Akaruru 281 72.80Waleeu Wuatai 82 21.24Kautoki Katoa 23 5.96Rakahanga Pupuke Robati 101 68.24Arahu Tuteru 47 31.76Ruaau Raymond Pirangi 182 39.74Tauei Solomon 156 34.06Tauei Harry Napa 120 26.20Takuvaine–Tutakimoa Geoffrey Henry 335 52.02Frederick Tutu Goodwin 307 47.67Michael Tavioni 2 0.31Tamarua Tearapiri Teaurima 62 58.49Ruti Matapo 44 41.51Teenui–Mapumai Tangata Simiona 112 51.38Metuaangai Teritaiti 106 48.62Tengatangi–Areora–Ngatiarua Norman George 153 58.40Neville Walker Isherwood Pearson 109 41.60Titikaveka Teariki Matenga 257 53.65Tekaotiki Matapo 222 46.35Tupapa–Maraerenga Teanua Dan Kamana 362 56.30Teariki Piri 281 43.70Vaipae–Tautu Bill Paiti 262 78.21Maramatoa Turi 66 19.70Banaba Samuel 7 2.09Overseas Iaveta Arthur 330 58.51Fanaura Kingstone 225 39.89Mataio Emil Nielson 9 1.60Source:
Aftermath Following the elections, the result in the constituency of Ruaau was declared void due to treating by an unsuccessful candidate.
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