The Parliament of the Cook Islands is the legislature of the Cook Islands. Originally established under New Zealand colonial rule, it became the national legislature on independence in 1965.
The Parliament consists of 24 members directly elected by universal suffrage from single-seat constituencies. Members are elected for a limited term,and hold office until Parliament is dissolved (a maximum of four years). It meets in the capital of Rarotonga.
The Cook Islands follows the Westminster system of government, and is governed by a cabinet and Prime Minister commanding a majority in Parliament.
The Speaker of the House is currently Geoffrey Henry. The Deputy Speaker is John Henry.
Read more about Parliament Of The Cook Islands: History, Membership and Elections, Passage of Legislation, Select Committees, Terms of The Cook Islands Parliament, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words parliament, cook and/or islands:
“At the ramparts on the cliff near the old Parliament House I counted twenty-four thirty-two-pounders in a row, pointed over the harbor, with their balls piled pyramid-wise between them,—there are said to be in all about one hundred and eighty guns mounted at Quebec,—all which were faithfully kept dusted by officials, in accordance with the motto, “In time of peace prepare for war”; but I saw no preparations for peace: she was plainly an uninvited guest.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“To cook a pig, apply heat; to win a lawsuit, apply money.”
—Chinese proverb.
“Consider the islands bearing the names of all the saints, bristling with forts like chestnut-burs, or Echinidæ, yet the police will not let a couple of Irishmen have a private sparring- match on one of them, as it is a government monopoly; all the great seaports are in a boxing attitude, and you must sail prudently between two tiers of stony knuckles before you come to feel the warmth of their breasts.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)