GENERAL ELECTION INFORMATION

Kia Orana and Welcome

Meitaki ma’ata for visiting the official General Election Information page of the Parliament of the Cook Islands. This page serves as your central, trusted source for updates, notices, and public information relating to the upcoming General Election.

Election Date Confirmed

Following the official announcement made by the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, and pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution, Election Day has been confirmed for Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Parliament has been dissolved and the Government has entered caretaker mode in accordance with Westminster parliamentary practice.

Purpose of This Page

The Parliament is committed to ensuring that voters, candidates, and the wider community have clear, timely, and accessible information throughout the election period. Here, you will find:

• Official announcements from the Parliament

• Key dates and timelines

• Public notices and procedural information

• Updates on election-related activities

• Guides and Resources

Ongoing Updates

Information on this page will be regularly updated as new details become available. We encourage you to check back frequently to stay informed throughout the election process.

For more detailed guidance, official notices, and election-related documents, please refer to all attachments provided below. These documents contain important information for the 2026 General Election.

Guides for Candidates

1. 📄 Serving as a Member of Parliament of the Cook Islands – A Practical Guide for Prospective Candidates (2026); Serving with Integrity, Respect, and Commitment to the Community
2. 📄 Serving as a Member of Parliament of the Cook Islands. Cook Islands Women – Getting Elected

Official Documents

1. 📄 Dissolution of the Eighteenth Parliament of the Cook Islands
2. 📄 Cook Islands Parliamentary General Election 2026
3. 📄 Public Notice 4: Cook Islands Parliamentary General Election 2026 – Candidates Duly Nominated to contest in the Election
4. 📄 Public Notice: Cook Islands Parliamentary General Election 2026 – Advance voting for Palmerston Island
5. 📄 Public Notice: Cook Islands Parliamentary General Election 2026 –  Appointment of Electoral Officials, Ikianga i te au tangata angaanga ikianga

By-Election for the Penrhyn Constituency

The Penrhyn Constituency went to the polls on 12 March 2024 to elect a new Member of Parliament following the vacancy created by the conviction of former Deputy Prime Minister and sitting MP, Robert Tapaitau. In early 2024, Tapaitau was found guilty of fraud-related offences, resulting in his imprisonment and automatic disqualification from Parliament under the Cook Islands Constitution. His departure necessitated a by‑election in one of the country’s most remote northern atolls, marking a significant moment for Penrhyn.

Four candidates contested the seat: Sarakura Tapaitau, standing as an Independent; Vaine Wichman for the Cook Islands Party; Meremere Arake Tonitara for the Democratic Party; and Tangata Andrew Vaeau, also running as an Independent. Despite Penrhyn’s small population, the electorate comprised just over 100 registered voters, reflecting the community’s strong engagement in the democratic process and the importance of stable representation following the former MP’s conviction.

Voting took place both on both villages of Penrhyn, Omoka and Tetautua, and through advance and postal ballots for Penrhyn electors residing elsewhere. The final count produced a close result. Sarakura Tapaitau received 37 votes, narrowly ahead of Vaine Wichman, who received 34 votes. Meremere Arake Tonitara secured 20 votes, and Tangata Andrew Vaeau received 17 votes. On 14 March 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer, Taggy Tangimetua, formally declared Sarakura Tapaitau the successful candidate.

Her election marked a notable development for Penrhyn. As the wife of the former MP, her victory represented both continuity and renewal for the constituency. Upon entering Parliament, Sarakura Tapaitau supported the Cook Islands Party, aligning herself with the governing party and strengthening the Government’s representation in the House. Her decision marked a notable development for Penrhyn, signalling both continuity and renewal following the departure of her husband, the former MP. Her election ensured that Penrhyn retained a strong voice in national decision‑making during a period of political transition.

The 2024 Penrhyn By‑Election demonstrated the resilience of democratic processes in the Cook Islands. Despite the circumstances that led to the vacancy, the people of Penrhyn participated with clarity and conviction, ensuring their constituency remained represented in Parliament. The election of Sarakura Tapaitau closed a challenging chapter and opened a new one, reaffirming Penrhyn’s commitment to stable, accountable leadership within the national legislature.