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Cook Islands PM set to retain power
AVARUA, Cook Islands, July 6, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Cook Islands Prime Minister
Henry Puna appeared poised to retain office for a third term Friday after
persuading three independents to join his government.
Puna’s future was in doubt after a June 14 election in the tiny Pacific
nation of 18,000 left Rose Toki-Brown, Robert Tapaitau and George Maggie
holding the balance of power.
But the trio agreed to join Puna’s governing Cook Islands Party (CIP)
after being offered ministerial portfolios, giving the CIP a wafer-thin
majority of 13 seats in the 24-seat parliament.
The new government is expected to be sworn in after petitions regarding
the election results have been dealt with in the High Court.
Six petitions, including four from the opposition Democratic Party, have
been filed challenging the validity of the election results.
BSS/AFP/RY/13:45 hrs