A by-election was held in the Cook Islands electorate of Manihiki on 5 May 2021.[1] The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Henry Puna in order to take up the job of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.[2]
On 7 April 2021 businessman Temu Okotai announced that he would contest the election as an independent.[3] On 8 April the Democratic Party announced Munokoa Maraeara as their candidate.[4] On 13 April the Cook Islands Party announced Akaiti Puna, wife of former MP Henry Puna, as their candidate.[5]
The election was won by Akaiti Puna.[6]
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Akaiti Puna | Cook Islands Party | 82 | 68.33 | |
Munokoa Maraeara | Democratic Party | 33 | 27.50 | |
Temu Okotai | Independent | 5 | 4.17 | |
Total | 120 | 100.00 | ||
Source: [7] |