A new political party is being formed in the Cook Islands, with founders saying it is born out of "dissatisfaction" with both the government and opposition.
Cook Islands Parliament. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Cook Islands News reports former senior public servant Te Tuhi Kelly has announced plans for the Progressive Party of the Cook Islands.
The proposed party has the backing of business owners and some "fed up" politicians - including some from the governing Cook Islands Party coalition.
The people have had enough and claims the party will capture areas where the government is deficient, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown has dismissed Mr Kelly's comments regarding the support of some government MPs, labelling it as a "desperate call for volunteers rather than an actual fact".
Mr Kelly said there were a lot of dissatisfied Cook Islanders who are concerned at growing Chinese influence, poor public service, and an "arrogant government" that has ailed to handle key issues such as chlorination.
There are currently four political parties in the country: the Cook Islands Party, Democratic Party, One Cook Islands Party and the Cook Islands United Party.
The next general election is scheduled for 2022.