The Cook Islands Democratic Party has welcomed the Court of Appeal ruling which declared Tina Browne winner of the Rakahanga seat in the June 2018 general election.
Cook Islands Democratic Party leader, Tina Browne Photo: Cook Islands Democratic Party
Opposition leader, Terepai Maoate, told the Cook Islands News the party, now with 11 seats, had been confident the court would uphold the electoral laws.
The Cook Islands Party candidate Toka Hagai lost the seat after the court found that he had treated voters to free food and drinks at his election rally.
Mr Maoate congratulated Ms Browne for her "steadfastness during a trying time and being declared the rightful winner of the Rakahanga seat".
"We look forward to welcoming Tina to Parliament.
"She brings a wealth of legal knowledge and experience and her presence in Parliament will be outstanding, not just for the Opposition, but for the entire country. Tina will serve well," he said.