Byelection raises prospect of snap poll for Cooks

RAROTONGA - The Cook Islands faces the prospect of a snap election after the coalition Government of Prime Minister Jim Marurai put at risk its narrow majority.

Having failed to sack controversial politician Norman George as Speaker, the Government now has to await the outcome of a byelection next week to determine its future.

Mr Marurai's coalition partner, the Democratic Party, faces a tough task to win the crucial byelection in Matavera.

If the successful candidate sides with the Opposition Cook Islands Party, then Mr Marurai and his coalition partner are likely to find themselves involved in a 12-all hung parliament.

The Prime Minister is thinking seriously about calling a snap election if he is unable to lead an outright majority government in the 24-seat Parliament.

It is understood some Cooks electorate organisations have been warned to prepare themselves for this scenario.

The tone of Parliament turned tense on Friday as the Opposition, aware of a likely bid to oust their ally from the Speaker's chair, tried in vain to force an adjournment of the House for 10 days.

Appearing to act in his capacity as the newly elected MP from the island of Atiu, Mr George sided with the Opposition. But the motion was lost on a show of hands.

Then, on Saturday, with former Auckland police officer Mr George absent from the House, the Government tried again - but came up one vote short.