World's smallest democracy votes

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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)

Common roll members

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

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.

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Sources

"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

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