Voters in Mangaia head to the polls today to elect a new mayor, with a record nine candidates contesting the top local government position.

A total of 332 eligible voters are able to cast their ballots in the upcoming mayoral by-election – a slight increase from the 321 registered voters in last year’s Island Government election.

The by-election, triggered by the resignation of outgoing mayor Ngateina Rani, has drawn significant attention. It is a historic moment for Mangaia, with nine contestants, the highest number of mayoral candidates to date.

Contesting the position are Eipuatiare Fiona Arthur, Tuaine Papatua, Rimamate Rimamate, Ngametua Tere, Vaiora Teremoana, Tangitamaiti George Tuara, Tuaine Tuara, Makitua Tutai and Metua Robert Vaiimene.

Mangaia, with a current total population of 504, is the second-largest constituency in the Pa Enua (Outer Islands), following Aitutaki.

According to the Cook Islands Statistic Office voter rolls, the distribution of voters per village is: Karanga – 33, Ivirua – 44, Tavaenga – 78, Veitatei – 58, Keia – 67, and Tamarua – 52. These figures include the eight names on the supplementary rolls: two from Tavaenga, two from Veitatei, and four from Tamarua.

Mia Teaurima, the executive officer for Mangaia since January 2025, confirmed yesterday that all preparations for the election are set.

“Everything is set and ready. The increase in candidates reflects a community willing to take on leadership roles. There is a healthy mix of experience and youth among them,” said Teaurima, the former director of island governance at the Office of the Prime Minister.

He praised the experience of the election staff, saying they have overseen many elections over the years.

“We’re confident that (today’s) proceedings will run smoothly,” he added.

The former mayor Ngateina Rani stepped down last month – just seven months after winning the Island Government election – to pursue a role in the Northern Cook Islands Battery Replacement Project.

Rani had secured victory last year with 153 votes, narrowly beating former mayor Makitua Tutai, who received 147. Both improved on their preliminary counts, with Rani gaining 11 additional votes and Tutai nine.

The 2024 Island Government Elections were held on August 15 in  Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Pukapuka, Nassau, Penrhyn, and Rakahanga.

The Pa Enua play a crucial role in the Cook Islands’ cultural and environmental identity and contribute significantly to the national economy.

Each Pa Enua elects its own mayor and council under a decentralised governance model, as outlined in the Island Government Act 2012–2013.

This system enables local communities to manage their own affairs and make decisions that best reflect their needs.