Pacific / Cook Islands

Cooks Democratic Party after 'genuine' political reform

08:39 am on 29 May 2018

The opposition Democratic Party in the Cook Islands says it is committed to genuine political reform.

Cook Islands Parliament Photo: Supplied

The approaching general election has prompted calls for change in the 24 seat parliament, such as more sitting days and fewer MPs.

In a statement, the Democratic Party told the Cook Islands News it had a number of provisions in its manifesto to support political reform.

It said if elected it was willing to consider the establishment of an Electoral Commission and would examine the introduction of a proportional voting system.

The party is also promising to review the Constitution, the Electoral Act and anti-party hopping legislation.

It said it would also update the Official Information Act to permit greater transparency of government activities.

"We will examine voting systems that more fairly translates people's votes into parliamentary representation and examine the concept of fixed election dates permitting political stability and fairer preparation for all parties or candidates to elections," the statement said.

"The party is willing to give consideration for an Electoral Commission to be formed, its functions and responsibilities similar to that of the New Zealand Electoral Commission, with the ultimate aim of advancing fairer representation in the Cook Islands electoral processes."