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ELECTORAL}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 COURT) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 Misc No: 88/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 06}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 IN THE MATTER}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 of section 92 of the Electoral Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 2004}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 IN THE MATTER}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 of an election of members of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 Parliament of the Cook Islands } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231263 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231263 on Tuesday the 26th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 September}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 2006}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 TEKAOTIKI MATAPO}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231263 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 Titikaveka, Candidate \par Petitioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 ROBERT WIGMORE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231263 of T}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 itikaveka,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 Planter \par First Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 NOOAPII TEAREA }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 Deputy Chief Electoral Officer \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 Second Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2077\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 BRIAN TERRENCE HAGAN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 Chief}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 Electoral Officer \par Third Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 \par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 1 December 2006}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr George and Mr Vakalalabure for the Pe}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 tit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ioner together with Sir Geoffrey Henry (appearing by leave)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mrs Browne and Mr Hood for the First Respondent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Elikana for the Second and Third Respondents }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 8 December 2006 (New Zealand Time)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5314194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 JUDGMENT OF WESTON J \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [1] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 This judgment concerns an election petition brought under Part 8, Electoral Act 2004 (the Act). It is one of a number of such petitions that arose out of the General Election held in the Cook Islands on 26 September 2006. There is also a cross-petition brought in terms of the proviso to section 92(4) of the Act.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 The allegations \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [2]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The p etition makes two allegations. First, that the First Respondent, who was the successful candidate at the election, had not resigned from the Board of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 CIIC"), an entity established under the Cook Islands Investment Corporation Act 1998. As a consequence, he remained a Crown Servant as defined in the Act and, the Petitioner alleged, was therefore not qualified to be a candidate in terms of section 8 of the Act. As a result, the Petitioner should be declared the winne r of the Titikaveka seat.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [3]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 There is a second allegation in the petition alleging bribery under section 88 of the Act in that the First Respondent was said to have made a promise to Mr Travis Moore to seal the access road to his home from the public road in order to induce Mr Moore to vote for the First Respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In submissions, Mr George said the allegati}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 on relied solely on section 88(a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ) of the Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner argued that although this was just one act of bribery it should nevertheless void the election in the Titikaveka constituency in terms of section 98(1) with t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 he result that the Petitioner }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 should be declared the successful candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [5] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The cross-petition raised a number of m atters, most of which were withdrawn, leaving only one for consideration. In paragraph 1(c) it was alleged that Mr Travis Moore did not qualify to be a voter in the Titikaveka constituency and that his vote should be disallowed. This allegation has some r elevance to the bribery allegation referr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 ed to above in that section 88(a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ) speaks in terms of inducement to an elector.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 If Mr Moore was not properly qualified to vote in the Titikaveka constituency then the issue of bribery would more readily fall to be considered in terms of section 88(b) of the Act. For that reason, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6888201 I }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 will need to address Mr Moore's qualification as an elector prior to considering the bribery allegation. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 Qualification to be a candidate: an overview \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 [6] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Constitution was amended in 199 5 to add a further qualification requirement for an election candidate. As a result of that amendment Article 28B was amended so that it now reads:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid10231263 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 "Notwithstanding anything in subclause (2) of this Article, a person shall not be qualified to be a candidate at an elec}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5980822 tion of Members of Parliament if}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231263 :}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10231263 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid10231263 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 ... (e) he is a Cro}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 wn Servant or judicial officer."}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [7] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The expression }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13392330 "Crown Servant"}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 is defined in such a way as to include persons who are directors of the CIIC. There was no contest on this point during the hearing. It was accepted that the First Respondent was a Crown Servant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In addition to this qualification requirement, the Petitioner emphasised section 31(1)(a) of the Act which is in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid10231263 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 "Every nomination paper nominating a person as a candidate for election for a constituency shall be signed by }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid11353730 \endash }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10231263 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid11353730 \par }\pard \ql \li568\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin568\itap0\pararsid10231263 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 (a) the nominee, who shall be a person qualified pursuant to this Act to be so nominated..." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [9] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner argues that the First Respondent, in order to be qualified under the Constitution and the Act, was required to have effected his resignation from C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 IIC before signing his}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 nomination form. The nomination form is described as "Form 5" a nd is provided for in section 31(2) of the Act. It seems that this form is not compulsory for nomination (see section 32) but I am advised that usual practice is that a candidate will use Form 5 to be nominated. There is only one place provided on Form 5 f or the candidate to sign and that is alongside section B, described as the consent to nomination. Thus the requirement in section 31(l)(a) for the nominee to sign the nomination paper is satisfied at the same time as signing to signify consent (section 32 (2)).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The First Respondent emphasised certain parts of Article 28}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13781529 B}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 , in particular the words "at an election". On that basis, arguably it would be sufficient for any resignation to have been effected by polling day at the latest. The First}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Respondent r ecognised, however, that was to draw too long a bow. For example, section 39 of the Act provides that if there is only one candidate nominated for a constituency then that candidate is deemed to have been elected. This brings the focus back to the close o f nominations as being the critical date. Consequently, the First Respondent argued that the resignation needed to be effected by the close of nominations at noon on 10 August 2006. He argued that his resignation was complete by that time and thus he was q ualified to be a candidate in terms of the Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 From this short summary it is apparent that a number of areas need to be more fully considered. They are:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid13781529 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 the legislative history;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13781529 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid13781529 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 the chronology of facts;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13781529 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid13781529 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 (c) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 whether t he First Respondent resigned and, if so, when.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Once those issues are addressed I will then turn to my decision on the first topic.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid5314194 The legislative history \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Court's function in interpreting the Electoral Act 2004 is to discern the intention of the Legislature. The legislative history can be an aid to ascertaining that intention.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 [14]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Prior to 1969 neither the Constitution nor the (then) Electoral Act contained any limitation upon candidates who were also Crown Servants. However, in 1969 the Electoral Act 1966 was amended by inserting new provisions,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 sections 6A and 6B. In essence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 , these sections provided that a Crown Servant who was seeking candidacy for P arliament would be placed on leave. If elected, the Crown Servant was deemed to have vacated their position as a Crown Servant. These provisions placed no onus on the Crown Servant actively to resign. They were more in the nature of deeming provisions.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [15]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 As at 1969 the Constitution contained no limitation on candidates who were Crown Servants. The C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14755289 onstitution was amended in 1980/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 1981 but continued to make no reference to Crown Servants notwithstanding the amendments to the Electoral Act in 1969. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [16]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In 1993 the Electoral Act 1966 was amended by repealing sections 6A and 6B and inserting new provisions in their place. The new scheme was to require Crown Servants, before consenting to be nominated, to resign. The amendment further provided that as from the date of resignation, the Crown Servant ceased to be a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid816100 C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 rown Servant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [17]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 These amendments precisely signalled the time at which resignation should occur - that is, before consenting to be nominated. Furthermore, the amendments provided that the resig nation would be effective on the date of the resignation. This overcame any difficulties as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 to when a resignation might beco}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 me effective.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [18]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 A year later these amendments were struck down for want of constitutionality in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13392330 Goodwin v Cook Islands Public Service Association }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 [1994] CKCKA 5; (CA 2/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 94; 10 March 1994). In that decision the Court reviewed the legislative history also discussed above.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [19]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Legislature promptly responded to that decision by amending the Constitu tion in 1995 by means of the Constitution Amendment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid816100 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (No. 17). Article 28B was amended to add the words set out in paragraph [6] above.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 [20]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 At the same time, the Constitution was}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1127363 amended by adding a new subcl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ause (3) to Article 28B providing that any Act might }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13392330 "provide for further qualifications or disqualifications of candidates"}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 This latter provision is potentially important because it anticipates that any relevant Electoral Act might lawfully contain further qualification requirements in addition to th ose set out in the Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [21]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Following those amendments to the Constitution the Legislature enacted the Electoral Act 1998, largely carrying forward the amendments made in 1993 in relation to Crown Servants which had been struck down by the Court as unconstitutional.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194 [22]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15207640 The Electoral Act 20}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 04 then changed the qualification requirements. No longer was there an express requirement that a candidate should resign before consenting to nomination. Rather, section 8(2)(e) provided:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314194\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid816100 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid816100 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid816100 (2) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), a person shall not be qualified to be a candidate at an election of Members of Parliament if that person - \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid816100 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid816100 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid816100 ....}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid816100 (}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid816100 e) is a Crown Servant }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330\charrsid816100 or judicial}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid816100 officer." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [23]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 It will be noted that section 8(2)(e) largely mirrors the constitutional reference to Crown Servants referred to in paragraph [6] above. The new Act did not repeat the earlier provisions requiring resignation as a Crown Servant prior to signing the consen t.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 If there is any such requirement in the Electoral Act 2004, it is to be found in section 31(1)(a). I have already set this out above but repeat it for convenience:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid6388038 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid6388038 "Every nomination paper nominating a person as a candidate f}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388038 o}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid6388038 r}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid6388038 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid6388038 election for a constituency shall be signed by}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6055046 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid6388038 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid6388038 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid6388038 \par }\pard \ql \li568\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin568\itap0\pararsid6388038 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid6388038 (a) the nominee, who shall be a person qualified pursuant to this Act to be so nominated. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid6388038 \'85}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid6388038 " \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [24]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner relied on this provision to argue that the legislative intent was the same as that appearing in the 1993 and 1998 legis lation. That is, the nominee needed to be properly qualified at the time of consenting to the nomination. By contrast, the First Respon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 dent argued that section 31(1)(a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ) simply referred back to the qualification requirements in section 8(2)(e). Consequently , there was no proper basis to argue that qualification must precede consent. Rather, qualification must be achieved at the point that nominations closed in terms of section 31(1) of the Act. I return to this issue below.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid14315383 Chronology}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid14315383 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [25]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The gen}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 eral election was called on 24 J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 uly 2006. On that day, as it happened, the First Respondent was in hospital in Auckland undergoing surgery. He was dis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 charged three days later on 27 J}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9137497 uly 2006. He cam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 e under some pressure from interested persons to stand as a candidate in the Titikaveka election.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [26]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 On 3 August 2006 Mr John Short telephoned the First Respondent at the house in which he was recuperating in Auckland. By this time the First Respondent, somewhat reluctantly it seems, had agreed to be the candi date. Mr Short advised him that he needed to resign from the CIIC Board. The First Respondent said he was not previously aware of this requirement (which seems a little surprising considering his previous role as a Minister)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 and was not aware of the actual legislative provisions. He says he instructed Mr Short to effect his resignation.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [27]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Short spoke with the First Respondent by telephone on two occasions on 7 August 2006. Again, the question of resignation was discussed. The First Respondent, having learnt that his resignation had not been effected, asked Mr Short to get on with the resignation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [28]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 On 8 August 2006 a partially completed nomination form was faxed to the First Respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 He signed it and returned it. He was asked under cross examin ation, why he did not sign a resignation letter at the same time. He said he did not do so because he thought Mr Short was attending to that independently of his nomination. He said he did not think there was any requirement that his resignation be in wri ting and be signed by him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [29]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The nomination form was lodged with the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer ("DCEO") on 9 August 2006.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 On that day the First Respondent had telephoned his daughter in Rarotonga to arrange for the deposit of $500 to be taken from his account and paid to the DCEO at the time of nomination. There was some suggestion in the evidence that the DCEO then held the nomination paper pending receipt of evidence of resignation from the CIIC. The evidence on that was unsatisfactory and uncert ain. I do not place any weight on it. Rather, I find that the form was lodged with the DCEO at approximately 3.15pm on 9 August 2006 and accepted by him at the time (section 34(3)). That finding is consistent with the notation of the DCEO on Form 5.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I note, too, that the First Respondent's written submissions argue that the nomination was accepted on 9 August 2006.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14315383\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [30]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Nominations closed at noon on 10 August 2006. Early in the morning of 10 August Mr Short delivered a letter to the relevant Minister in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid6388038 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 "Further to our telephone conversation this morning, }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5526329 I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 confirm that Mr Wigmore has asked me to inform you that he has resigned from the Board}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388038 of CIIC effective yesterday 9th}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 August 2006.}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11353730 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid6388038 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Mr Wigmore is in New Zealand recovering from an operation last week and would be having operation (sic) this coming week and he felt resigning from the Board is necessary for his speedy recovery.}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 He will be meeting with you as soon as possible after his return." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [31]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mrs Browne quite properly accepted that the resignation could not be backdated in this way. At the earliest, the resignation could have occurred on 10 August 2006.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [32]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner criticised the second paragraph of the above letter as making no reference to the nomination as a candidate for the forthcoming election. Under cross examination Mr Short said that the purpose of the letter was to effect the First Responden t's resignation from the CIIC Board because of the forthcoming election.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [33]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 At 9.30am the Minister called the First Respondent in Auckland and spoke to him for 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 \'bd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 minutes. The Minister gave evidence explaining that he wished to satisfy himself that the First Respondent was resigning for the purposes of the election. He said he was so satisfied.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [34]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Minister then prepared a short letter to the Registrar of Electors in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid6388038 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 "At 10}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388038 .00am this morning, Thursday 10th }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 August 2006, 1 received a verbal request from Robert Wigmore of Titikaveka that he wishes to resign from the Board of Directors of the Cook Islands Investment Board. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 , Tangata Vavia }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 as Minister of CII}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 C accept Mr Wigmore's resignation." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [35]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Some comment was made of the expre ssion "wishes to resign" contained in the above letter. The Minister said, however, that he had understood Mr Wigmore to have resigned and the purpose of his letter was to advise the Registrar of Electors of that and the fact that he had accepted the resi gnation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [36]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Evidence was given that the Minister's }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388038 letter was delivered to the DCEO}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 prior to noon on 10 August 2006 and I accept that evidence.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Did the First Respondent resign? \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [37]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Sir Geoffrey, on behalf of the Petitioner, accepted that the First Respondent intended to resign but argued that he did not manage to implement that intention. For the reasons that follow, I reject that argument. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [38}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3763039 ] There is nothing in the Coo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 k Islands Investment Corporation Act that provides how a board member is to resign from that corporation. Section 9 provides that any appointments are to be made by the Minister with the concurrence of Cabinet. There is no mention, however, of resignation.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [39]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 It seems there is a practice that appointments to the Board are marked by way of a formal Warrant of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9137497 Appointment and, equally, upon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 a resignation it would be usual practice to prepare a Revocation of Warrant. No-one was able to point me to any legislative requirement for such warrants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [40]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 It seems, therefore, there is no statutory or other formal process describing how a resignation should occur. There appears to be nothing preventing a director resigning immediately. Equally, there appears to be nothing th at requires a director to give formal written notice of resignation based upon his or her own signature.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [41]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner strongly argued that any resignation, in order to be effective, needed to be in writing and signed by the First Respondent. It was said that this was the usual practice. Reference was made to one authority in support of this proposition and statutory analogies were also given. The Petitioner argued that a resignation could not be effected by an agent on behalf of a principal.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [42]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I am reluctant to introduce any unnecessary complexity if the Legislature, itself, has not required a formal process for resignations. Consequently, I conclude that a director can resign immediately from the Board of the CIIC. I also conclude that such res i gnation can be effected orally or in writing by way of an agent. Of course, an oral resignation may be an ill-advised course because of uncertainty as to what was said or done on a particular day. Putting the matter in writing puts it beyond doubt. Concei vably, however, it seems possible that a director could resign orally. In the present case I accept that the First Respondent told the Minister on 10 August that he was resigning with immediate effect.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [43]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The written letter f rom Mr Short is not entirely satisfactory for the reasons already identified above. Nevertheless, viewed in the overall context it plainly indicates an intention to resign.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [44]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The First Respondent argued that the Minister's acceptance was not a necessary requirement for a resignation. I prefer to express no final view on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 this. I note that the Minister's letter stating his acceptance of the resignation was prepared and delivered prior to noon on 10 August 2006. Nothing turns on the Minister's acceptance of the resignation in this case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [45]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 For the reasons above (including as set out in the chronology) I find that the First Respondent resigned as a member of the Board of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation on 10 August 2006, at an exact time uncertain, but prior to noon on that day.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Was the First Respondent a qualified candidate? \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [46]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner's argument, as noted above, is that the resignation should have been effected prior to the First Respondent signing his consent to Form 5 on 8 August 200 6. The First Respondent's argument, as also noted, is that so long as the resignation had been effected by the close of nominations at noon on 10 August 2006, the First Respondent was properly qualified.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid9656050 [47]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 There is a third option to be considered. That is, that the resignation from CIIC should have been effected prior to lodging the nomination form on 9 August 2006.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 At that point, the various requirements of section 31(1), as well as payment of the deposit ( sections 33 and 34(1)(c)), were met. That this may be relevant threshold is illustrated by section 35 which provides that, from this point onwards, a nominee has the formal status of a candidate. That emerges from the fact that the candidate must take for mal steps to withdraw the nomination if wishing to withdraw.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [48]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 can immediately dispose of the Petitioner's argument in the form it was put to me. In essence, the Petitioner argues for an interpretation consistent with the law as it was in 1993 and then 1998. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 do not believe such an interpretation is consistent with the scheme of the Electoral Act 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 If the signing of consent was to be the key date that would mean that a person is to be regarded as a candidate even prior to lodging the nomination fo rm. Indeed, Sir Geoffrey argued that that was so. I believe it to be the wrong interpretation. There is nothing in the Act that compels such a conclusion. If that was correct, it would mean that a nominee, having signed the form, was thereafter required t o take the formal steps set out in section 35 if wishing to withdraw the nomination. That could not be correct. \par \par [49]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 For these reasons, I reject the Petitioner's interpretation. That, however, does not fully dispose of section 31(1)(a). On one view of it, it would be have been enough for the Legislature to provide for the nominee to sign the form. The fact that section 31(1)(a) then continues with a further qualification (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13392330 "who shall be a person qualified pursuant to this Act to be so nominated}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ) must have b een intended by the Legislature to have some purpose. That is because section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3875508 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (2)(e) already provides for the qualification requirements (as presently relevant). The Act did not need to repeat there in section 31(1)(a) unless there was another purpose in doing so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [50]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The First Respondent's argument effectively ignores those further words. He says that it is enough that the candidate has resigned by noon on the nomination date (ie 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 August 2006). In the present case that occurred a day after the nominat ion was completed and accepted in terms of section 31(1). That element of futurity has the potential to cause unnecessary confusion. Surely the most sensible course is for the candidate to have resigned at the point of lodging the nomination form? That pr o perly recognises that the onus is on the candidate to complete that resignation rather than leaving it, untidily, as something yet to be addressed. It appears to me to be a more natural reading of the section, viewed in the context of the Act and the Cons titution, to require the resignation to have been completed by the time the nomination is itself complete.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [51]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The inevitable consequence of the First Respondent's argument is that there would be two categories of nominations. First, those that are comple te (because the resignation has been effected) and, secondly, those that are in some kind of limbo (because the resignation is not yet complete). Yet section 35 treats both nominations in the same way. Once the nomination has been completed in terms of se ction 31(1), the nominee is regarded as a candidate. Presumably that is why section 35 is included in the Act. Section 35(1) specifically governs the period between the lodging of the nomination and noon on nomination day.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [52]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 As a consequence of the abov e reasoning I believe that a proper interpretation of the Act required the First Respondent to have resigned from C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3876531 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 IC by 9 August 2006 when his Nomination Form was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13392330 completed and accepted by the D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 C}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 E}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 O. As I have already found, his resignation did not occur until the next day. His nomination breached the Act. He was not}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 qualified to be a candidate. As a consequence of that finding }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12402609 I }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 must now address section 97, Electoral Act 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Section 97, Electoral Act 2004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [53]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Both parties referred to section 97 of the Act which is in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid8268528 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 "97. }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid14951165 Certain irre} {\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165\charrsid14951165 g}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid14951165 ularities to be disre}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165\charrsid14951165 g}{ \i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid14951165 arded}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 - No election shall be declared void by reason of any irregularity in any of the proceedings preliminary to the polling or by reason of any failure to hold a poll at any place ap}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9656050 pointed for holding a poll, or t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 o comply with the directions provided under this Act as to the taking of the poll, or to comply with the directions provided under this Act as to the taking of the poll or the counting of the votes or by reason of any mistake, in the use of the forms provided under this Act, or failure to comply with the times prescribed for doing any act, if it ap pears to the Court that the election was conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in and by this Act and that the irregularity, failure or mistake did not affect the result of the poll." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [54]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In addition, the First Respon dent argued that section 97 was to be read in terms of section 99 which is in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8268528 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8268528 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid8268528 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 "99}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 . }{ \i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 Re}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730\charrsid11353730 al }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 justice to be observed}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 - At the hearing of the election petition the Court shall be guided by the substantial merits and justice of the case and t he Court may admit such evidence as in its opinion may assist it to deal effectively with the case, notwithstanding that the evidence may not otherwise be admissible in the Court." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx720\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13122293 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [55]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The parties had divergent positions in relation to section 97. The Pe titioner said it could not apply because what had occurred here was not an irregularity. By contrast, the First Respondent argued that section 97 could apply in the present case effectively to cure any failure found by the Court. Mrs Browne argued that th e irregularity was }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid8268528 "capable of being excused under section 97"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7415893 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [56]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Sir Geoffrey, for the Petitioner, expressly relied on the decision of Donne CJ in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 re Mitiaro Election Petition}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165\charrsid15094663 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 1979}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8268528 1 NZLR S1. At page S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 22 the Court dealt}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 with section 78 (in the same form as present section 97), concluding that the expression "}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid4611790 irregularity}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 " doe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15094663 s not cover corrupt practices. I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 will return to this decision shortly. There is force, however, in Mrs Browne's submission in reply that this decision does not assist in the present context.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [57]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Both counsel referred to the decision of the Court of Appeal, concerning the Pukapuka constituency, in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 Wuatai v Akaruru}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 (CA5/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 99; 17 August 1999). In the High Court, the Judge had concluded that as at the date of the Appellant's nomination (29 April 1999), he was a Crown Servant and, by virtue of Article 28B(1)(e), ineligible to stand as a candidate. The facts showed that the candidate had endeavoured to resign as a Crown Servant. Importantly, the correct posi t ion was known to some officials prior to the nomination date at which point nominations closed (20 May 1999). Had officials reached the correct conclusions prior to then (and, indeed, afterwards as well), when the candidate's status as a Crown Servant was well known, steps could have been taken to mitigate the situation. A number of different avenues were open. A by-election was highly likely.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [58]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In the final result, the High Court's conclusion that the next highest polling candidate should be declared the winner was set aside by the Court of Appeal and a by-election resulted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [59].}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Sir Geoffrey argued that counsel for the Appellant (in the Pukapuka petition) had relied upon section 101 (now section 97) but that the Court did not regard the failure to resign as a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13377008 n}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 "irregularity}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 ".}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Moreover, he argued that section 97 focuses on electoral officers rather than the candidate. In the present case, the failure to resign was the fault of the candidate (or his agents) rather than of officials.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [60]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mrs Browne argued that section 97 could apply in the present case. She pointed out that in the Pukapuka petition there is an inconsistency between the two judgments (one oral and a seco nd written judgment) issued by the Court of Appeal. In the first, the failure to resign is referred to as a minor matter whereas in the second set of reasons it is viewed differently. She is right that there is this inconsistency. As I say below, however, I do not believe this is material.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [61]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 now return to}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 re Mitiaro Election Petition }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (supra). The Court upheld an allegation of treating made against the successful candidate, that being a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 corrupt practice. Having reached that conclusion, the Court was re quired to consider sections 78 and 79 of the Electoral Act 1966. Section 78 appears to be in similar terms to present section 97. There is no exact counterpart with section 79 in the present Act although it roughly corresponds with section 98 in the prese nt Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [62]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 At page S17 the Court noted that there was no definition of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 "irregularity"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 in the Act. The Court concluded, however, that the electoral offence of treating could not be said to be an irregularity in terms of section 78 (now section 97). With respect, that decision is entirely sensible.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 It does not, however, assist in resolving the present case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid3087206 [63] I now return to the Pukapuka decision, }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid3087206 Wuatai v Akaruru}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid3087206 (supra). The High}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Court decision was a short one given orally at the conclusion of argument. The High Court concluded that the candidate remained a Crown Servant at the date of nomination and was thus not properly qualified to be a candidate. The High Court did not make a formal finding as to when the candidate resigned as a Crown Servant. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4611790 His intention was to do so on 30}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 April 1999 and it seems entirely likely that he had actually resigned prior the close of nominations on 20 May 1999. Nevertheless, there was no finding on whether, or when, he resigned. Indeed, the High Court expressly avoided such a finding (see page 3).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [64]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Both the High Court, and the Court of Appeal subsequently, dealt with the notion of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 "irregularity"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 in section 101 of the Act (corresponding with present section 97). At page 3 of the High Court decision, the Court concluded that the failure in that case could not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3876531 be described as an irregularity.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 There is no reasoning in support of that conclusion.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [65]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Court of Appeal heard the matter on 11 August 1999 and immediately issued an oral judgment intended to be a brief indication only of the Court's reasoning. It is, with respect, an odd practice for a Court to issue two sets of reasons. The oral judgme nt, it seems, should be accorded considerably less weight than the subsequent written decision. I note that at page 3 of the oral decision the Court described the candidate's breach as being of a minor nature. The Court said }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 "his was of the lowest level of error in such matters". \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [66]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In the subsequent written decision the Court addressed section 101 of the then Act at pages 7 and 8. At page 7 the Court said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid4611790 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 "Insofar, therefore, as this appeal is against the declaration by the learned Judge of the sole c andidature and declaration of the Respondent as elected, the events leading up to the election and the mismanagement thereof were, in our view, substantial irregularities "in the proceedings preliminary to the polling" as a result of which the election wa s not conducted in accordance with the principle}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 s laid down in the Act (S10}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4611790 1}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 ).}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 " \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [67]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 By this time, the breach was being described by the Court of Appeal as a substantial irregularity. While that apparent inconsistency with the oral judgment is, with respec t, unhelpful, I think the real focus of the Court of Appeal was upon the issue of whether the election was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Act (which was a requirement of section 101 (now section 97)). The Court found that it was not be cause, if the breach had been properly addressed at the time, a by-election would have resulted. Upholding the decision of the High Court would disenfranchise half of the electorate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [68]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The First Respondent here argued that the effect of section 97 was t o cure the defect in the present case. On a preliminary reading of section 97 it appears to be directed at just that end. However, a closer study, including of the two English decisions referred to by the Court of Appeal (see below), shows that approach t o be wrong. Section 97 is not about curing defects. Rather, it assumes the defect (in this case an improperly qualified candidate) and asks whether that defect made any difference. As the Court of Appeal in the Pukapuka petition identified, it would make a huge difference.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [69]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The two English decisions are }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Gu}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 n}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 n v Sharpe}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [1974] 1 QB 808 and }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Morgan v Simpson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [1975}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 1 QB 151. Both concerned the same provision, being section 37(1), Representation of the People Act 1949, a provision similar in effect to section 97, Electoral Act 2004. Both cases concerned voting papers that were invalid as a result of minor administra t ive errors by officials (and not the voters). In both cases, counting the invalid votes would have affected the election outcome. Section 37(1) was not available to cure the defects. Rather, it was available to ask whether the defects would have made any difference to the ultimate outcome (which they would have). In both cases the election was declared void. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [70]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 This point can be illustrated by the early decision of }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Woodward v Sarsons }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (1875) LR 10 CP 733. In that case, there were errors which invalidated the voting papers and effectively disenfranchised those who had exercised their vote on those papers. Yet the Court was able to ascertain that it would have made no difference to the outcome of the election if they had been counted. It was to this situati on that section 97 is most obviously directed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [71]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Against that background, I return to the Court of Appeal decision in the Pukapuka petition. The Court proceeded on the basis that the election of the otherwise successful candidate was void. Through no fa ult of the voters who had placed their votes for that candidate they were disenfranchised. By no stretch of the imagination could that be described as an outcome that }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 "did not a}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid11353730 ffect the result of the poll"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 If the poll had been conducted in accordance with the Act there would have been a properly qualified candidate standing in place of the disqualified candidate.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [72]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The same result applies here.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Having found that the First Respondent was not properly qualified I declare the election in the Titikaveka c onstituency void and direct the calling of a by-election. I will attend upon counsel to finalise the wording of any formal judgment should that be necessary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Mr Moore's residency \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [73]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Moore gave evidence that he had been on the Titikaveka roll for abo ut 20 years. He accepted that for a period he had lived in Aitutaki but that from either 30 or 31 May 2006 he moved his family back to Rarotonga. The family had two houses. They lived, up until very recently, in a house in Tikioki. This is in the Titikave ka constituency. Approximately a week prior to Mr Moore giving evidence, the family had shifted to a second house at Vaimaanga, also in Titikaveka.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 [74]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 While his family were now living in Titikaveka, Mr Moore continued to commute to Aitutaki to finish off work that he had underway there. The evidence showed that in the June}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 /}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 July period he was in Aitutaki for a total of 31 days. However, from 26 July 2006 he remained in Rarotonga up to the election on 26 September 2006.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [75]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 He said in evidence that he con sidered his residence was in Titikaveka because that was where his family was based. This is not a valid basis, at law, for determining residency. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [76]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mrs Browne argued that Mr Moore did not qualify to be an elector in the Titikaveka constituency. Notwithstanding that he was registered on the Titikaveka roll, he had ceased to be qualified for that because of living in Aitutaki (up to the end of May 2006 ). In terms of section 7(4) Mr Moore was said to be disqualified from being an elector in Titikaveka.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [77]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I believe that Mr Moore was properly qualified to be an elector in Titikaveka because that was where he resided. I find this notwithstanding the fact that he travelled to and worked in Aitutaki for a total period of 31 days in June/July.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Continuous residency does not prevent an elector from moving outside the relevant constituency to undertake work.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 If it did, no one could afford to leave their constit uency to work at some other place. The fact that an elector may then spend nights living in a hotel does not necessarily mean that a person has ceased to reside at what is otherwise their place of residence.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [78]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 While Section 7 contains its own fair shar e of interpretive difficulties, I conclude that in the three month period prior to 26 September 2006 (which I believe is the relevant date against which to measure the period of his residence), Mr Moore was resident in the Titikaveka constituency.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I find he was properly qualified to vote there.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Bribery \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [79}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 This claim is brought under section 88(a), El}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 ectoral Act 2004. This provides:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 "Every person commits the offence of bribery who, in connection with any election }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 \endash }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li568\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin568\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid11353730 (a) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 directly or indirectly gives or offers to any elector any money or valuable consideration or any office of employment in order to induce the elector to vote or refrain from voting ..." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 [80]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The elements of bribery have been discussed in a number of decisi ons, most recently in three decisions of the Chief Justice arising out of the current round of electoral petitions. For convenience I refer to the Chief Justice's decision in relation to the Mauke constituency in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid11353730 Cowan v Tai}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543550 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543550 (Misc 80/}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 06; 23 November 2006)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 . The elements of bribery are:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 the giving of the consideration; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 that the consideration was valuable;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 that it was given to induce the voter to vote for the respondent candidate and that it was on the express or implied condition that the voter would vote for that candidate;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid4543550 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 that the intent to do this was corrupt.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [81}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The motives of the person giving the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4078980 consideration can be mixed, so}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 long as one significant purpose was political. That then may be regarded as a corrupt purpose.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [82]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The burden of proof is on the balance of probabilities.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [83] The allegations arise out a meeting between Mr Moore and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 the First Responden}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543550 ce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 at some time prior to polling day. There are a number of disputed facts which I will address shortly. The following matters are not in dispute:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 the discussion occurred some time early in the morning at the Wigmore Superstore;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 the discussion occurred outside the store;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Moore's wife, who had been in the car with hi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5733952 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 , was not present during the course of the discussion because she was inside the store;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 during the course of the discussion, which did not last very long, the First Respondent said that if elected he would endeavour to ensure that certain roads in his constituency were sealed which would include the driveway to Mr Moore's house.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [84]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Moore says that during this }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5733952 discussion the First Respondence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 asked Mr Moore to support him in the election. Mr Moore took this to mean that the First Respondent was asking him to vote for him in exchange f or sealing the driveway. The First Respondent denied this, saying that he was speaking in the context of various election pledges that had been made to the constituency as a whole.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I return to the detail of this shortly.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [85}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Moore said that the discussion occurred about a week prior to the election. The First Respondent did not directly challenge this. He said, however, that at the outset of the conversation, Mr Moore said he had just}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 returned from Aitutaki. This seems most unlikely because, assuming the conversation occurred when Mr Moore said it did, he had not been to Aitutaki for some time. When understood in context, the difference between the two is more apparent than real. The discussion occurred in the context that t he First Respondent had visited the Vaimaanga property which looked as it was not lived in. I can well understand how, in that context, Mr Moore might have said that the family had recently returned from Aitutaki (which it had). The First Respondent might have understood this as having occurred in the last few days, whereas Mr Moore had a longer timeframe in mind.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [86]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Moore was quite clear that the First Respondent referred to sealing the driveway to the second of the two family properties - at Vaimaan ga. The First Respondent did not deny this. It appears to be a private road. This Court, in 2004, did not see any significance as between sealing public and private roads. The First Respondent said that he was not concerned with private driveways that mig ht service only one house. Rather, he was concerned with roads or driveways where two or more}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 households were on such a road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [87]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr Moore said that he was so surprised by what was said to him by the First Respondent he ultimately took legal advice. Then, when there was some press publicity about the Petitioner's intentions, he spoke to the Cook Islands Party about the discussion between him and the First Respondent. He said he had no motive by way of ill-will against the First Respondent and the First Re spondent, in evidence, said he knew of no reason for Mr Moore to make unfounded allegations against him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [88]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The First Respondent gave evidence that on several ear}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5733952 lier occasions in or about 2003/2004, Mr Moore had asked h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 im to make arrangements to seal th e driveway. Mr Moore could not recall such requests but I find they occurred. The First Respondent gave evidence that in response to one such call, the Ministry of Works visited the road and then undertook some work to repair it (but not to seal it).}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [89]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Despite the areas of agreement, there is an apparent conflict in two important respects:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 as to whether the First Respondent asked Mr Moore to support him in the sense of voting for hi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5733952 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 ; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li284\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin284\itap0\pararsid5733952 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 as to whether there was discussion about the candidate's wider election pledges (to seal roads generally) or whether the conversation was limited to a discussion of Mr Moore's driveway. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15801659 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [90]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Both witnesses were equally clear in their recollection of event s. On the face of it, there is an absolute conflict of evidence. Attempts were made to impugn the credibility of both witnesses but I do not find such attempts helpful in the present case. I find that both witnesses gave their evidence honestly as they re c alled events. I believe the apparent conflict is more a matter of perception than reality. Mr Moore, unsurprisingly, focused on the reference to his driveway. The First Respondent, by contrast, was acting consistently with the election pledges made by him as part of his campaign. This meant that what the First Respondent said, and what Mr Moore heard, were two different things. Having said that, I believe that the First Respondent was unwise specifically to mention Mr }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 Moore's driveway.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [91]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I accept that t he First Respondent had made general election pledges to seal certain roads in his constituency. While there was some imprecision about the identity of those roads, I find that he had made such pledges.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I do not believe such pledges fa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2109272 ll}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 within the definition of "bribery}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14951165 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 If they did, any promise by a candidate (or party) to implement policies if elected would expose the candidate to bribery allegations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 That is not the intention of the statute. Mrs Browne referred me to a useful article }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2109272 by Hughes, Electoral Bribery (19}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 98) Griffith Law Review 209, where the distinction between election promises and electoral bribery is discussed and analysed. The difference between an instance that is bribery, and one that is not, may sometimes be relatively slight. In the present case, the First Respondent's specific reference to Mr Moore's drive brought him close to that border line but did not take it over it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [92]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 In concluding that this was not an act of bribery I have been influenced, to a small degree, by the fact that the First Respondent, in 2004, unsuccessfully defended a petition where allegations of this nature were ventilated. It seems scarcely credible th a t he would make the same mistakes again in 2006. Of course, the Petitioner has alleged that he did just that. But having seen the First Respondent, and heard his evidence, I think it unlikely that he would have fallen into the same error again. While I ha ve concluded that he acted unwisely, I do not think that he acted in a way that amounts to bribery. \par \par [93]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Mr George asked me to assess the allegations in what he called their proper cultural context. I do not think this is a case where I need to do that. Wh ile Mr Moore has resided in the Cook Islands for many years, I did not understand him to be of Polynesian descent, inculcated in Polynesian customs and practices. Frankly, I do not think that even if the First Respondent had promised to seal his driveway that this would have induced Mr Moore to vote for the First Respondent if he was not otherwise inclined to do so. So the cultural context does not need to be addressed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [94]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 For the above reasons I reject the allegation of bribery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [95]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Even if I had uphe ld the finding of bribery, I think it unlikely that I would have made an order in terms of section 98(1) of the Act. I believe that section 98(3) would have been the more appropriate section to rely upon.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Costs \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [96]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11353730 O}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 n the first ground of the Petition, the Petitioner's challenge has been upheld.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [97]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 The Petitioner failed in his bribery allegations. The First Respondent failed in his challenge to the residency qualifications. I believe these balance each other out in terms of costs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [98]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 Prima facie, th e Petitioner is entitled to costs in relation to the first ground in the petition. If the parties cannot agree upon these they are to supply memoranda as follows. The Petitioner is to lodge his within 14 days and the First Respondent 14 days thereafter. A djustments will need to be made for the Christmas vacation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 [99]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid15801659 I do not believe that costs should be payable to or by the Second and Third Respondents but I am willing to receive memoranda if necessary. Counsel should agree upon an appropriate timetable consistent with the exchange of memoranda set out above.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid15801659 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13122293 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659\charrsid13122293 Weston J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15801659 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13122293 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid5314194 Solicitors: \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid5314194 Henry Puna, the offices of the Cook Islands Party }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid5314194 Browne Gibson Harvey PC, Avarua \par Crown Law Office}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13122293\charrsid13122293 \par }}