1961 Cook Islands general election

Politics of the Cook Islands
Monarch Elizabeth II Queen's Representative Tom Marsters Prime Minister Mark Brown Cabinet Parliament Speaker: Tai Tura House of Ariki President: Tou Travel Ariki Political parties Recent elections General: 2010 2014 2018
Other countries
v t

General elections were held in the Cook Islands in May 1961.^[1]

Electoral system[]

The 27 members of the Legislative Assembly consisted of 15 directly elected members (14 from ten general constituencies and one from a European voter constituency),^[2] seven members indirectly elected by Island Councils (four from Rarotonga and one from Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaia),^[2] and five officials members, including the Resident Commissioner as President of the Assembly, the Administration Secretary, the Treasurer and two members appointed by the Resident Commissioner.^[2]

Results[]

Appointed members[]

Aftermath[]

The Executive Committee of the Cook Islands legislature in 1962

In 1962 an Executive Committee was established, with its members elected by the Assembly. It initially consisted of , Dick Charles Brown, , Ngatupuna Matepi, Vainerere Tangatapoto, Tangaroa Tangaroa and , together with the Government Secretary and the Treasurer.^[3]

By-elections in 1963 saw Dick Rapley elected to replace Les Bailey for the European seat (Bailey was also replaced on the Executive Committee by ),^[4][5] Julian Dashwood becoming the MLA for Mauke and becoming an MLA for Ratotonga,^[6] replacing Teupoko'ina Morgan after she emigrated to New Zealand

In November 1963 the Executive Committee was revamped, becoming a "shadow cabinet" with defined portfolios.^[4] Dick Charles Brown was elected the first Leader of Government business, defeating Ngatupuna Matepi by a vote of 11–10.^[7] A new speaker was also appointed, with Teariki Tuavera defeating Ngatapuna Matepi in a secret ballot.^[4]

References[]