In this year’s general election, independent candidates represent about a fifth of the 63 total candidates competing for 24 seats in Parliament. The governing Cook Islands Party (CIP) fields the largest candidate slate (20), followed by the Cook Islands United Party (14) and the Democratic Party (12). Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather disagrees with George. Heather said he is feeling confident in going forward into the election, and believes independent candidates pose no threat to the Cook Islands United Party. The Cook Islands News has contacted CIP leader and caretaker Prime Minister Mark Brown and Democratic Party leader Tina Pukuke-Browne for comment.