General elections were held in the Cook Islands on 13 October 1958,[1] the first under universal suffrage.
[2] Seven members were indirectly elected by Island Councils (four from Rarotonga and one from Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaia).
[2] The remaining five members were officials, including the Resident Commissioner as President of the Assembly, the Administration Secretary, the Treasurer and two members appointed by the Resident Commissioner.
[2] A total of 65 candidates contested the directly elected seats, including former Legislative Council member Willie Watson, who ran under the name Viri Vokotini in one of the general constituencies.
[1] Frank Bateson and former Chief Judge Alfred McCarthy contested the European seat.