Politics of the Cook Islands

The anniversary of these events in 1965 is commemorated annually on Constitution Day, with week long activities known as Te Maeva Nui Celebrations locally.

Ten years of rule by the Cook Islands Party (CIP) came to an end 18 November 1999 with the resignation of Prime Minister Joe Williams.

Prime Minister Mark Brown was reelected in 2022 with an increased majority [3] The Parliament of the Cook Islands has 24 members, elected for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies.

On 13 June 2008, a small majority of members of the House of Ariki attempted a coup, claiming to dissolve the elected government and to take control of the country's leadership.

[6] By 23 June, the situation appeared to have normalised, with members of the House of Ariki accepting to return to their regular duties.

[11] With regard to the legal profession, Iaveta Taunga o Te Tini Short was the first Cook Islander to establish a law practice in 1968.

Cook Islands Party leader Geoffrey Henry remained prime minister, but was replaced after a month by Joe Williams following a coalition realignment.

The loss of several by-elections forced a snap-election in 2006, which produced a solid majority for the Democrats and saw Marurai continue as prime minister.