2003 Arutanga by-election explained

The Arutanga by-election was a by-election in the Cook Islands seat of Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara. It took place on 20 November 2003.

The by-election was precipitated by the resignation of Cook Islands Party MP Teina Bishop over budget cuts to his constituency.^[1] Bishop's resignation was initially handed to the Cook Islands Party, who refused to submit it to the Speaker;^[2] Bishop subsequently delivered it himself,^[3] and his seat was declared vacant.^[4] In the interim, the government announced that it would not stand a candidate.^{[5] [6]} As a result, Bishop was elected unopposed.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cooks Opposition MP’s resignation could affect balance of power . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-07-25 . 2010-02-07.
2. Web site: Cook Islands party holds on to MP’s resignation letter . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-08-05 . 2010-02-07.
3. Web site: Cooks MP delivers resignation to speaker’s office . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-08-18 . 2009-12-20.
4. Web site: Second by-election to be held this year in the Cook Islands . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-10-21 . 2010-02-07.
5. Web site: George supports Teina Bishop and says Cooks by-election not needed . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-09-01 . 2010-02-07.
6. Web site: Cook Islands political group says former MP shouldn’t stand again . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-09-02 . 2010-02-07.
7. Web site: Teina Bishop returns to Cook Islands Parliament unopposed . Radio New Zealand International . 2003-11-05 . 2009-12-20.