Parties unite in a bid to resolve political crisis

Friday 8 January 2010, 10.20am- The two main political parties want to replace the present minority government of PM Hon Jim Marurai with a caretaker government underlining a bipartisan approach leading up to the election. At a press conference held at the DPM’s office behind the Banana Court, high ranking executive members from the Democratic Party and Cook Islands Party (CIP) issued a joint statement to that effect.
Present for the Demos were President Makiuti Tongia and Vice President Karla Eggelton. Present for the CIP were President Rau Nga and Vice President Mark Brown with Atiu MP Nandi Glassie arriving at 10.30am.
Earlier in the morning Sir Terepai Maoate had met with PM Hon Jim Marurai at the PM’s office but the nature of the discussions that took place were not disclosed.
The group answered questions relating to the release.
Tongia said the group believes that under the Constitution , five Ministers is unconstitutional and that under section 29 the Queen’s Representative (QR) may call Parliament.
Brown said the letter to the Speaker was delivered on Thursday afternoon when a delegation from both parties called on the Speaker. The letter requests an audience with the QR as soon as is conveniently possible. While reference is to establishing a “caretaker” government, a negotiating team made up of both parties is finalizing details of the make up of this caretaker government.
While both parties agree to speedy confirmation for the date of the next elections, that is not a guarantee that there will be an early election. The next election must be held no later than 90 days from the completion of the term which is up on 26 September 2010. This means an election could be held in December 2010.
The establishment of a caretaker government hinges on the decision of the QR. There is always the possibility the PM could dissolve parliament and call a snap election.
Should a caretaker government be established, it is likely there will be a Supplementary Budget before the main Budget around July 2010.
In the event of a snap election, both parties confirm their teams are ready and prepared for such an eventuality.
Glassie said the public was tired of the “flip flop” situation and MPs pursing self interests. He spoke of the need to boost the economy. A combined effort was needed to improve the quality of life. A new energy and vibrancy was essential he said.
On the issue of attracting more younger people into parliament, Eggelton said it depended on the selection process in the electorates however, the Demos were standing united and were taking on women and younger people for future evolution.
When asked if the approach meant entering into a coalition which was something previously opposed to by both parties, Rau Nga said the reality is, the people of the nation. That is why the current agreement was being entered into. The reason why both parties were getting together was because they had heard the voices of the people.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009