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Cook Islands
At stake: Legislative Assembly
Background
The Pacific islands, first spotted by Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña, were re-discovered in 1773 by James Cook. In 1888, the Cook Islands were established as a protectorate of Britain, and were eventually placed under the supervision of New Zealand in 1904.
Roughly 21,000 people inhabit the 15 Cook Islands today. The area is a self-governing entity in free association with New Zealand. The local economy depends mostly on revenues from offshore banking, tourism, pearls, fishing and agriculture.
Albert Henry of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) administered the government from 1965 to 1978. Tom Davis of the Democratic Party (DP) succeeded Henry, and remained at the helm until 1987, with a brief interruption in 1983.
The 1999 election saw the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the New Alliance (NA) secure 16 seats, allowing both parties to form a coalition government under prime minister Robert Woonton.
In 2004, former education minister Jim Marurai took over as prime minister.
Click here for 2004 Cook Islands Election Tracker
2006 Legislative Assembly Election
On Jul. 25, the Queen's representative in the Cook Islands, Frederick Goodwin, dissolved the Legislative Assembly and called a general election. Goodwin took the step after a by-election shifted the balance of power in the legislative branch.
Voting took place on Sept. 26. Final results gave the governing Democratic Party (DP) 14 of the 24 seats at stake, enough to form a government but short of the 17-7 majority required to carry out a comprehensive reform program. Cook Islands Party (CIP) leader Henry Puna was unable to retain his seat.
Both the DP and the CIP vowed to support tourism and develop a nascent black pearl industry, which has attracted offers from interested investors in Japan and China.
Political Players
Her Majesty's Representative: Frederick Goodwin
New Zealand High Commissioner: Kurt Meyer
Prime minister: Jim Marurai - DPT
Legislative Branch: The Legislative Assembly has 25 members, elected to five-year terms in single-seat constituencies. The House of Ariki has 14 traditional leaders and is a forum for consultation and advice to the government on customary matters.
Legislative Assembly - Sept. 26, 2006
Vote% | Seats | |
Democratic Party (DP) | 52.0% | 14 |
Cook Islands Party (CIP) | 45.3% | 9 |
Independents | 2.7% | 1 |
Tied seat | -- | 1 |