The leader of the Tumu Enua political grouping in the Cook Islands has lost a legal bid to overturn an election result.
Norman George faces the political wilderness after the High Court threw out his petition that sought to overturn the election result in his former constituency.
The court registrar says Justice Kenneth Hingston has today dismissed the petition.
Mr George had alleged that his rival Eugene Tatuava, had tried to sway voters with treats in order to win the Tengatangi- Areora- Ngatiarua constituency in last month's election.
Mr Tatuava says the petition had no justification.
"Well my feeling is I'm well, over the moon. And at the same time after the election I was very confident that I have already won the election. The allegation you know about bribery and treating is wrong, is wrong from day one."
Mr Tatuava says he's now free to address the concerns of his constituents about the water shortage problem on Atiu.
Mr George was not available for comment.
