Early election likely February

Herald readers will be aware for some time the paper has been predicting an early election.
With parliament sitting in November, the Herald predicts there will be amendments made to the Electoral Act and a Supplementary Budget passed to provide funding for an early election. When parliament rises for the year in November, a 90 day period would make an election likely in February 2010.
An election in February would be more advantageous to government given the Demos leadership issues and the unpopularity of a June Budget if the economic situation does not improve.
For its part the Herald understands the Cook Islands Party (CIP) has always anticipated there may be an early election.
An issue for the CIP to consider is whether it wishes to go into an election with Atiu MP Norman George given he has a court case in process.
At this stage the Herald understands Sir Terepai Maoate intends to stand again.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?