Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining parliament with 12 of 24 seats, though voting on remote Nassau is delayed by bad weather and a 13-seat majority is still needed to govern. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on inflation, household pressures and water tariffs, with opposition pushing changes to To Tatou Vai charges. Deep-Sea Mining & China: The election is also framed as a referendum on deep-sea mining and expanded ties with China, with voters and observers watching how policy could shift on seabed minerals. International Scrutiny: Overseas election observers from the Pacific Islands Forum are on the ground, also meeting the Chamber of Commerce to hear business concerns about stability and governance. Seabed Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an enclave surrounded by Cook Islands waters. Regional Diplomacy & Connectivity: At a US-Pacific summit, Washington recognised the Cook Islands and Niue and flagged new infrastructure support, including internet connectivity via undersea cables. Cyber Safety: A new Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aims to help residents and businesses protect against scams and financial fraud.