4 Jun 2018

Disparities in voter numbers spur for Cooks candidate

8:29 am on 4 June 2018

Political reform is one of the drivers for Cook Islands businesswoman, Teresa Manarangi-Trott, who is seeking a parliamentary seat.

Teresa Manarangi-Trott, an independent in Rarotonga's large Tupapa Maraerenga constituency

Teresa Manarangi-Trott, an independent in Rarotonga's large Tupapa Maraerenga constituency Photo: Facebook

Reform has been a long standing concern for some in the Cooks, and Ms Manarangi-Trott said there were huge differences in the numbers of voters in each electorate, denying various people a voice in parliament.

Ms Manarangi-Trott who is standing as an independent in the Tupapa Maraerenga constituency on Rarotonga, uses this seat to illustrate the disparaties in numbers.

"I could in theory lose this election and I could have more votes than some of the people who will get into parliament. So electorates that have got 56 votes for example will have an MP at the end of the day. I could win 400 votes and still not win this electorate."

However, the ruling Cook Islands Party said it would want to hear from the people before it considers on any possible reforms.

Ms Manarangi-Trott also said she also wanted to see better opportunities for people seeking residency in the country.

She said newcomers to the Cooks often had no pathway to becoming more involved in the country.

These people invest and pay their taxes but did not have options to seek permanent residency, which would give them the same benefits that Cook Island citizens enjoy, she said.

"So they come to the Cook Islands, they invest, they employ Cook Islanders and they pay Cook Islands taxes, but for some people, who are not permanent residents or New Zealanders, are disenfranchised, at the moment."

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