Mark Brown’s governing Cook Islands Party (CIP) is set to return to power for a historic fifth consecutive term after securing an absolute majority of 13 of the 24 parliamentary seats following final count of the 2026 general election.
The Democratic Party, the country’s main opposition in the previous parliament, has been wiped out after losing all its seats, with its outspoken leader Tina Pupuke-Browne and deputy leader Vaitoti Tupa both defeated.
The Cook Islands United Party secured four seats, one more than in 2022, while independents won seven seats, including three from Mangaia, two from Atiu and one each from Mauke and Manihiki.
Brown, who was first elected to parliament in 2010, will serve his fifth consecutive term as an MP. He is currently in his second term as prime minister, having taken office in October 2020 and led his party to victory again at the 2022 and 2026 elections.
According to Cook Islands News, Brown’s CIP is expected to form a government for a historic fifth consecutive term on its own.
In addition, the CIP had already received support from six independents, the newspaper reported.
“This brings the incoming government caucus to 19 seats in the 24-member Parliament, giving them an unprecedented supermajority.”
Brown told Cook Islands News on Tuesday local time, that according to advice from Crown Law, “the Prime Minister has held his warrants because he’s won his seat and now commands a majority”.
He also confirmed that all Cabinet ministers who retained their seats would remain in their positions.
Brown said once the chief electoral officer issued the official Gazette with the final count, the successful members of parliament would be named, formally “endorsing” the government.
–Cook Islands News/RNZ Pacific
