World's smallest democracy votes
Sunday, May 1, 2005
On April 30th the South Pacific island nation of Niue held its eleventh general election since achieving self-government from New Zealand in 1974. Approximately 800 voters were eligible to vote for the 20 members of the Niue Assembly – 90% of the island's citizens now live in New Zealand and were ineligible to vote.
Niue News reports that there was no campaigning. Provisional results indicate that Finance Minister Toke Talagi lost his seat by two votes, in the contest for the six common roll seats elected for the whole island, meanwhile former minister Robert Rex, Jr, came third in the poll for the village seat of Alofi South. Three of the twenty seats are expected to be won by women. Premier Young Vivian is expected to retain his position.
Provisional results (subject to confirmation and recounts)
[edit]Common roll members
[edit]- Krypton Okesene 578
- Terry Coe 563
- O'Love Jacobsen 508
- Hima Takelesi 403
- Michael Jackson 378
- Maihetoe Hekau 375
- Mr Talagi recorded 373 votes.
Village constituencies
[edit]- Alofi North;
- Vaiga Tukuitoga 62
- Terry Chapman 27
- Thomas Barlament 18
- Alofi South
- Organ Viliko 66
- Makamau Hekau 54
- Robert Matua Rex, Jr 52
- Tamakautoga
- Peter Funaki 39
- Ricky Makani 38
- Avatele
- Billy Talagi *
- Vaiea
- Talaititama Talaiti *
- Hakupu
- Young Vivian*
- Liku
- Pokotoa Sipeli *
- Lakepa
- Kupa Magatogia 27
- John Operator 18
- Mutalau
- Bill Vakaafi Motufoou 40
- Nuihepeni Togakilo 19
- Toi
- Lilivika Muimatagi 8
- Dion Taufitu 7.
- Hikutavake
- Opili Talafasi *
- Namukulu
- Jack Willie Lipitoa *
- Tuapa
- Fisa Pihigia *
- Makefu
- Tofua Puletama 22
- Vivaliatama Talagi 16
- * indicates that candidate was elected unopposed.
Sources
[edit]- "Niue finance minister faces election loss" — ABC Radio Australia, May 2, 2005
- "Finance Minister Dropped By Two Votes - But Expect a Recount In Several Seats" — Niue Weekly News, May 1, 2005
- "Niue voters go to the polls" — ABC Radio Australia, April 30, 2005
- "Niueans prepare for general elections" — ABC Radio Australia, April 28, 2005
