Cook Islands Party leader Henry Puna failed to retain his parliamentary seat in the latest blow to the opposition following last week's general elections, the Cook Islands Herald reported Thursday.

The newspaper said Puna finished five votes behind Democratic Party rival Apii Piho after special votes were counted for the seat on the island of Manihiki.

Puna, who leads the opposition, trailed by eight votes on preliminary election night figures. The Cook Islands Party had been optimistic he would overtake Piho through the special votes.

Puna's loss means both the Cook Islands Party leader and deputy leader have failed to win seats in the incoming Parliament.

The governing Democratic Party still leads by 15 seats to nine as counting of special votes continues. It is hopeful of getting a 17-7 two-thirds majority to enable it to push through its reform program.

The Cook Islands Herald said the Cook Islands Party is considering lodging a number of election petitions alleging wrong doing.

Cook Islands is a former British protectorate. The territory is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand.

The election has cost the Cook Islands Electoral office 200,000 U.S. dollars and many are hoping there would be a clear winner because the country cannot afford another snap election.

Source: Xinhua