1958 Cook Islands general election

General elections were held in the Cook Islands on 13 October 1958,[1] the first under universal suffrage.

Background

Following the recommendations of the 1955 Belshaw-Stace Report, the 23-member Legislative Council was replaced by a 27-member Legislative Assembly.[2][1]

Of the 27 members, 15 were directly elected; 14 from ten general constituencies and one from a European voter constituency.[2] Seven members were indirectly elected by Island Councils (four from Rarotonga and one from Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaia).[2] The remaining five members were officials, including the Resident Commissioner as President of the Assembly, the Administration Secretary, the Treasurer and two members appointed by the Resident Commissioner.[2]

Campaign

A total of 65 candidates contested the directly elected seats, including former Legislative Council member Willie Watson, who ran under the name Viri Vokotini in one of the general constituencies.[1]

Frank Bateson and former Chief Judge Alfred McCarthy contested the European seat.[1]

Results

Constituency Member
General constituenciesJoe Browne
Urikore Commings
Toka Mataio
Ngatupuna Matepi
Napa Tauei Napa
Tihua Napara
Dave Niovara
Tuakeu Puna
Vainerere Tangatapoto
Ine Rutera
Glassie Strickland
Tangaroa Tangaroa
Tama Tetava
Willie Watson
European constituencyFrank Bateson
Aitutaki Island CouncilKau Mapu
Atiu Island CouncilTeariki Vaine
Mangaia Island CouncilPokino Aberahama
Rarotonga Island CouncilMakea Nui Teremoana Ariki
Margaret Makea Karika Ariki
Dick Charles Brown
Areora Ira
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

References

  1. Important Elections In The Cooks: A Scot Named Viri Vokotini Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1958, p31
  2. A Legislative Assembly Soon for Cooks Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1958, p139
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