The Cook Islands 2026 General Election will be held on Wednesday, August 12, the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, announced this morning.
In a radio announcement, Sir Tom said that upon the advice tendered to him by the Prime Minister to call for fresh elections, and pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution of the Cook Islands, he had dissolved Parliament forthwith and appointed Wednesday, 12 August 2026, as the date for the next general election.
Sir Tom added that, in accordance with the principles of Westminster parliamentary democracy, the incumbent government will enter into a caretaker mode leading up to the election.
Cook Islands Parliament was adjourned sine die on Tuesday afternoon, concluding business for this term.
In Parliament, Prime Minister Mark Brown clarified that, under the Constitution, the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, is responsible for issuing the notice announcing the election date.
Cook Islands News had earlier indicated that the election would be held in August. The last general election took place on 01 August 2022, when Prime Minister Brown led the Cook Islands Party to form a government for a fourth consecutive term with the support of Independent MPs.
Prior to that, the 2018 election was held on 14 June, while the 2014 poll was a snap election held on 09 July. The 2010 general election took place on 17 November.
Following the conclusion of business for the latest sitting, which was headlined by the passing of the National Budget, Speaker of Parliament Tai Tura adjourned the House sine die, marking the formal conclusion of the 18th Parliament’s business.
“The decision taken by this House does not dissolve Parliament,” Tura clarified.
“As that is a matter provided for under the Constitution … it signifies that the House has completed the work presently, before it, and will now stand adjourned without a date.”
“As Speaker, I extend sincere appreciation to all Honourable Members for their service, deliberations and contributions throughout this term. The work of this House—debate, scrutiny, law making and representation—reflects our shared responsibility to the people of the Cook Islands.”.
