Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining power with 12 of 24 seats, but the majority is razor-thin and voting on remote Nassau was delayed by bad weather. Voter Turnout & Democracy: A commentary flags a worrying turnout gap in Rarotonga—about 40.9% of the roll not showing up in preliminary figures—arguing non-voting can be a political message, not apathy. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on inflation, cost pressures, and water tariffs, with opponents promising changes to To Tatou Vai charges. China, Deep-Sea Mining & New Zealand Ties: The election is also being read through the lens of China-linked deals and deep-sea mining plans, with New Zealand’s earlier funding pause still part of the political backdrop. Cyber Safety: The government is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at residents and businesses to tackle scams and financial fraud. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority forum, opposing a US company’s exploration push. Regional Diplomacy: Observers from the Pacific Islands Forum monitored the vote, and the US signalled renewed engagement with Cook Islands at a Pacific summit, including support for infrastructure and internet connectivity.