GENERAL ELECTION - PRELIMINARY RESULT COOK ISLANDS PARTY TRIUMPHS

The final result of the general election on 17 November should be announced by the end of the month. But the new Parliament is unlikely to meet until next February. The former Prime Minister, Jim Marurai and his Cabinet have announced they will step down immediately the result is confirmed. The delay over finalising the result is to allow time for election petitions contesting some of the results. Allegations of bribery by candidates will be investigated. These range from paying the power and phone bills of electors to air fare payments. Candidates in seats where there's a narrow majority can also request a recount.