Cook Islands Party Secures Fifth Term with Supermajority

The Cook Islands Party (CIP), led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, has achieved a historic victory, securing enough seats to govern independently for a fifth consecutive term. Following the final count of the 2026 general election, the CIP holds 13 of the 24 parliamentary seats, ensuring its continued leadership of the nation.

This election saw a significant shift in the political landscape, with the main opposition Democratic Party losing all its seats. Both its leader, Tina Pupuke-Browne, and deputy leader, Vaitoti Tupa, were defeated in their respective electorates. The Cook Islands United Party gained ground, securing four seats, an increase of one from the 2022 election results. Independent candidates also performed strongly, winning seven seats across various islands including Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, and Manihiki.

Mark Brown, first elected to parliament in 2010, will now serve his fifth consecutive term as an MP. He assumed the role of prime minister in October 2020 and has since led his party to victories in the 2022 and 2026 elections, solidifying his position at the helm of Cook Islands politics.

Beyond their outright majority, the Cook Islands Party has reportedly garnered support from six independent members of parliament. This alliance is expected to create a formidable governing caucus of 19 seats in the 24-member Parliament, establishing what has been described as an “unprecedented supermajority”.

Prime Minister Brown confirmed that the government's continuity is assured. He stated that advice from Crown Law indicated, “the Prime Minister has held his warrants because he’s won his seat and now commands a majority.” Brown also affirmed that all Cabinet ministers who successfully retained their parliamentary seats would continue in their current portfolios.

The formal endorsement of the new government is expected once the chief electoral officer issues the official Gazette, which will name the successful members of parliament following the final count. This will officially mark the commencement of the CIP's historic fifth term in power.