Mark Brown's Cook Islands Party set to govern for historic fifth consecutive term
Mark Brown's governing Cook Islands Party is set to return to power for a historic fifth consecutive term after securing an absolute majority in the 2026 general election.
In the 2026 general election, the governing Cook Islands Party (CIP) led by Mark Brown secured an absolute majority, winning 13 of the 24 parliamentary seats. The CIP, under Brown's leadership, is poised to govern for an unprecedented fifth consecutive term. The Democratic Party, the previous opposition, has been entirely wiped out, with both its leader Tina Pupuke-Browne and deputy leader Vaitoti Tupa losing their seats.
The Cook Islands United Party gained four seats, while independents won seven, including three from Mangaia, two from Atiu, and one from each of Mauke and Manihiki. Brown, first elected to parliament in 2010, will serve his fifth consecutive term as an MP and is currently in his second term as prime minister. The CIP is expected to form a government alone, with an unprecedented supermajority of 19 seats in the 24-member Parliament.
According to Crown Law, Brown has held his warrants as he has won his seat and commands a majority. Once the official Gazette is issued with the final count, the successful MPs will be named, formally endorsing the government.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
