Cook Islands Election: Four seats remain in final count showdown

Twelve seats were declared following the final count of the 2026 general election, which started Monday local time at Sinai Hall, with 11 more to be counted today before the final list of MPs is determined.

The remaining seats include the closely contested constituencies of Rakahanga, Pukapuka-Nassau, Ngatangiia and Matavera.

The Cook Islands Electoral Office yesterday finalised results for 12 key constituencies, affirming initial leads across Tupapa Maraerenga, Takuvaine-Tutakimoa, Ruaau, Akaoa, Murienua, Amuri-Ureia, Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara, Tamarua, Teenui-Mapumai, Mitiaro, Mauke and Manihiki. While preliminary winners maintained their victories, final tabulations reflected increased vote counts across the contested electorates.

In Tupapa Maraerenga, newcomer Tamaiti Maru Willie of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) crossed the 600-vote mark with 617 total votes to win the constituency. Former Tupapa MP George "Maggie" Angene, who ran as an independent, was confirmed as the new Manihiki MP following a five-vote victory over the incumbent, CIP's Akaiti Puna.

CIP leader and caretaker Prime Minister Mark Brown was also confirmed as the Takuvaine-Tutakimoa MP, winning the seat for a fifth consecutive term with 312 votes.

Meanwhile, the Cook Islands United Party (CIUP) completed a sweep of Puaikura, retaining all three seats, with Akaoa MP Robert Stanley Heather extending his lead to secure 324 votes.

The CIP has secured 12 seats following the preliminary count, while independent candidates hold eight seats - including two from Atiu (Independent-Enuamanu) and one from Mauke (Independent Party).

The Cook Islands United Party has secured four seats.

At least six independent candidates have confirmed their allegiance to the CIP.

Watch Cook Islands News Editor Rashneel Kumar's full interview with William Terite on Pacific Mornings below.

Final results

• Tupapa Maraerenga: Tamaiti Maru Willie (CIP) - 617, Rota Tama Williams (CIUP) - 227, Edward Victor Drollett (Demo) - 117

• Takuvaine- Tutakimoa: Mark Brown (CIP) - 312, Davina Hina Te Raurea Joan Hosking-Ashford (Demo) - 115, Venetia Mere Jacqueline Tuara (CIUP) - 91

• Ruaau: Tim Tunui (Shadow) Varu (CIUP) - 370, Arama Joseph Wichman (CIP) - 301, William (Smiley) Heather (Demo) - 44

• Akaoa: Robert Stanley Heather (CIUP) - 324, Teakaau Tex Tangimetua (CIP) - 68

• Murienua: Teariki Heather (CIUP) - 344, Nooroa Baker (CIP) - 169, Samuel Mataroa (Demo) - 17

• Amuri-Ureia: Toanui Isamaela (CIP) - 165, Nicholas Henry (IND) - 98, Terepai Maoate (Demo) - 106, Tumutoa Nicholls (CIUP) - 25

• Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara: Tereapii Maki Kavana (CIP) - 179, Maitoe Henry (CIUP) - 113, Tekura Bishop (IND) - 91

• Tamarua: Tetangi Matapo (IND) - 34, Ngatamaroa Ngatokorua (CIP) - 23

• Teenui-Mapumai: Rose Toki Brown (IND Enuamanu) - 81, Charles Amaru Koronui (IND) - 23

• Mauke: Stephen Matapo (IND Party) -175, James Beer (IND) - 21

• Mitiaro: Tuakeu Tangapoto (CIP) - 60, Makara Murare (CIUP) - 35, Paul Allsworth (Demo)- 2

• Manihiki: George 'Maggie' Angene -IND - 56, Akaiti Puna (CIP) - 51, Puapii William (IND) - 15

• Ivirua: Agnes Armstrong (IND) - unopposed

This story was first published in the Cook Islands News.