Vote count finalised in Cook Islands election

The Cook Islands' ruling Democratic Party has been confirmed the winner in the Pacific island nation's September 27 elections, AP news agency reported.

The Cook Islands' chief electoral registrar, Terry Hagan, told Radio New Zealand the counting of special votes and ballots from outlying islands showed the Democratic Party held 14 seats of Parliament's 24 seats, while the main opposition Cook Islands Party had eight seats.

A minor party held one seat and another electorate, Akaoa, remained tied.