At the invitation of the Cook Islands Government, the Pacific Islands Forum will observe the 2018 Cook Islands general election that will be held on Thursday 14 June.
The Forum Election Observer Mission comprises Darren Tohovaka the Secretary of Justice, Registrar of the High Court and Senior Electoral Officer of Niue, as well as Joseph Ma'ahanua, Solomon Islands Trade Commissioner and supported by Forum Secretariat staff.
“We are honored to be invited by the Cook Islands Government and will work in an independent manner to observe and provide feedback to support the election processes” said Team Leader Darren Tohovaka.
The Forum team will observe the pre-polling environment, polling and the counting of votes in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
The Forum team began its mission by meeting with the Cook Islands Chief Electoral Officer, Ms Taggy Tangimetua. As part of the mission, the Forum team will undertake a range of meetings including engaging with senior government officials, private sector representatives, diplomatic corps and civil society organisations, candidates and political parties to discuss voter registration, polling and issues of importance to the voting population.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor said, “We commend the Cook Islands Government for their demonstrated commitment to democratic processes, willingness and openness to share with Forum members Cook Islands democracy”.
