WELLINGTON, Aug 13, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Cook Islands started voting Thursday in a general election that will test the Pacific nation's appetite for deep-sea mining and expanded dealings with China.

Incumbent Prime Minister Mark Brown sent shivers through his nation's closest partner New Zealand in 2025, signing a string of deals covering regional cooperation and closer economic ties with Beijing.

Brown has also spearheaded efforts to explore the Cook Islands' outer reaches for possible deep-sea mining, a fledgling industry that has polarized the nation.

His most likely challenger, former deputy prime minister Teariki Heather, has been sharply critical of Brown's approach to China and has also pledged a national referendum on deep-sea mining.

Although the Cook Islands does not conduct regular opinion polling, local media are predicting a close-fought election likely to result in some form of coalition government.

A self-governing nation of some 17,000 people, the Cook Islands has a "free association" relationship with its former colonial ruler New Zealand, which provides budgetary assistance as well as help on foreign affairs and defence.

Brown infuriated Wellington in February 2025 when he signed a slew of agreements with China ranging from seabed minerals research to regional cooperation.

Citing a "lack of consultation", New Zealand retaliated by temporarily halting millions of dollars in aid.

"It becomes very clear this is not about consultation. This is about control," Brown said in February 2025.

Although Cook Islands and New Zealand have since patched things up -- signing a defence and security pact earlier this year -- Brown's dealings with China remain a topic of contention.

Under Brown, the Cook Islands has also captured global attention as a world-leader in the race to explore the ocean floor for deep-sea mining potential.

Large tracts of seabed around the Cook Islands are carpeted in polymetallic nodules encrusted with cobalt, nickel, manganese and other coveted metals.

While some Cook Islanders see deep-sea mining as a much-needed source of jobs and investment, others fear it will cause irreversible damage to the ocean.

Leadership rival Heather has voiced scepticism in the industry, but has vowed to let Cook Islanders have the final say in a national referendum if he wins the election.

Early results are expected later on Thursday (Wednesday local time).