Grassroots votes in ‘George Maggie’ for Tupapa CIP Candidacy
With nearly 60% of the Community of Tupapa lined up in long queues to cast their vote for one of the four nominees for candidacy; it was a night not to miss. The voters of Tupapa were demonstrating clearly that there was a shift in the way politics is to be played. It was peoples’ way not the partys’ way!

The ‘All embracing’ approach undertaken by the Tupapa CIP committee at their recent candidacy runoff is to be congratulated. It has to be the most democratic process yet seen in the Cook Islands, where the people had their say and had their way.
It was obvious as you came into the car park who was voting for who. The most dominant group visibly present were the ‘George Maggie’ and ‘Maryanne Poaru’ supporters. You could almost determine with confidence who would be in the final run-offs. Transparency thrived in the car park and perhaps gave it away before the votes were casted.
Passers-by heading towards the cocktail function up at Ngatipa could not help but notice what was going on at the Tupapa Centre, purely because of the vast amount of people and vehicles parked from the Tupapa rugby field to the Mangaia Hostel. It marked a clear shift of party and political allegiance.
The four nominees and their combined strengths most definitely appealed and appeased to the community of Tupapa and hence the overwhelming turn up of voters to the Tupapa Centre. Despite having to wait in line to cast their vote for up to 30 minutes at a time, the people of Tupapa CIP supporters remained in the queue, determined to make their vote count.
Casting your vote as you entered into the door was well managed by the team. Prior to handing out voting sheets, the team ensured that people had a current CIP membership card and were registered on the electoral roll. If you passed these two check points you were stamped with approval to cast your vote. One of the Pa Metuas aged 71, commented on this process and was amazed at how efficient their CIP team had become. “It was good to see”, says Papa.
Amongst the eligible voters, many of the loyal Tupapa CIP supporters commented on how many Democratic Party supporters filled the Tupapa Centre. It was almost two thirds of the Tupapa Centre. Is this the result of the all embracing approach used by the CIP team? Whatever the reasons for people coming to the Tupapa Centre to vote, it is clear party allegiance is now under threat. People are supporting the best person who represents their views and concerns. The grassroots are making a stand.
If there is anything that George Maggie has achieved. It is his ability to get out into the community and share his heart and defence for all the people of Tupapa. His door to door visits have paid off. It has birthed a new type of politician one that is determined by the people and not the party.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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