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 constituencies | Joe 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 constituency | Frank Bateson |
Aitutaki Island Council | Kau Mapu |
Atiu Island Council | Teariki Vaine |
Mangaia Island Council | Pokino Aberahama |
Rarotonga Island Council | Makea Nui Teremoana Ariki |
Margaret Makea Karika Ariki | |
Dick Charles Brown | |
Areora Ira | |
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly |
References
- 1 2 3 4 Important Elections In The Cooks: A Scot Named Viri Vokotini Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1958, p31
- 1 2 3 4 A Legislative Assembly Soon for Cooks Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1958, p139