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.
Background 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.Towards self-government, or something Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1974, p7 A planned referendum would have seen voters given the options of independence, self-government or integration.Cooks have three roads to choose from at elections Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1974, p19 However, the referendum plans were later dropped.
Campaign 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.No votes for Cooks exiles in NZ Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1974, p90 Henry also obstructed attempts to charter an Air New Zealand plane for voters to fly home.Islander examines the rule of the House of Henry Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1976, p8 However, the Democratic Party was able to charter an Air Nauru Boeing 727 to fly in some voters. Voters paid their own fares, and the flights were open to all regardless of party affiliation. 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.
Results
By electorate
Constituency Candidate Party VotesAitutaki–Manuae Geoffrey Henry 644William Estall 628Joseph Williams 628Moeua Raela 188Timote Turu 164Tutai Mataiti 158Atiu Vainerere Tangatapoto 267Paul Tangata 259Teariki Franco Mateariki 198Mataki Kaiaruna 195Mangaia Pokino Aberahama 427Ngatupuna Matepi 414Ngamokopuna Tomokino 143Pukeiti Uritua 130Manihiki George Frederick Ellis Jr. 108Tihau Napara 76Mauke Tupui Ariki Henry 196Tupuna Ngaoire 54Mitiaro Raui Pokoati 98Ta Ngatoko 16Penrhyn Tangaroa Tangaroa 186Ben Samuel 38Fred Ford 26Puaikura William Heather 410Tamataia Pera 409Harry Napa 401Taru Moana 388Pukapuka–Nassau Inatio Akaruru 307Mataora Tutai 56Rakahanga Pupuke Robati 84Turuta Temu 50Takitumu Apenera Short 484Tiakana Numanga 475Taramai Tetonga 465William Cowan 395William Robert Hosking 395Moerai Kekena 391Te-au-o-Tonga Albert Henry 1,107Thomas Davis 1,080Eric Man Browne 1,055Teanua Kamana 1,041Tamarua Joseph Browne 1,031Mana Strickland 1,026Mani Browne 1,015Tuoro Rangi Anguna 1,000Source:Pacific Islands Monthly
Aftermath 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.New year begins with a political bang in the Cooks Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1975, p4
When the newly elected Assembly convened, Marguerite Story was re-elected as Speaker.The status quo Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1975, p21
1977 Takitumu by-election An election was held on 22 December 1977 to fill the vacancy after the death of Tiakana Numanga.
References