1961 Cook Islands general election

General elections were held in the Cook Islands in May 1961.[1]

Electoral system

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The 27 members of the Legislative Assembly consisted of 15 directly elected members (14 from ten general constituencies and one from a European voter constituency),[2] seven members indirectly elected by Island Councils (four from Rarotonga and one from Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaia),[2] and five officials members, including the Resident Commissioner as President of the Assembly, the Administration Secretary, the Treasurer and two members appointed by the Resident Commissioner.[2]

Results

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Constituency Member Notes
Aitutaki William Estall New member
Matai Simeona New member
Atiu Vainerere Tangatapoto Re-elected
Mangaia Pokimo Aberahama Previously Island Council representative
Manihiki Ben Ellis Jnr New member
Mauke Terii Taripo New member
Mitiaro Tiki Tetava Ariki
Penrhyn Tangaroa Tangaroa Re-elected
Puaikura Ine Rutera Re-elected
Rakahanga Turura Temu New member
Rarotonga Dick Charles Brown New member
Poko Ingram New member
Teupoko'ina Utanga Morgan New member
Teakura Roi New member
European Les Bailey New member
Aitutaki Island Council Kau Mapu Re-elected
Atiu Island Council Parua Ariki New member
Mangaia Island Council Ngatupuna Matepi Previously a directly elected member
Rarotonga Island Council Makea Nui Teremoana Ariki Re-elected
Areora Ira Re-elected
Napa Tauei Napa Previously a directly elected member
Teariki Tuavera New member
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

Appointed members

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Position Member
Resident Commissioner Oliver Dare
Chief Medical Officer T.T. Romans
Director of Education R.D. McEwan
Secretary to the Government L.K. Pitt
Treasurer T.N. Perry
Source: Pacific Islands Monthly

Aftermath

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The Executive Committee of the Cook Islands legislature in 1962

In 1962 an Executive Committee was established, with its members elected by the Assembly. It initially consisted of Les Bailey, Dick Charles Brown, William Estall, Ngatupuna Matepi, Vainerere Tangatapoto, Tangaroa Tangaroa and Teariki Tuavera, together with the Government Secretary and the Treasurer.[3]

By-elections in 1963 saw Dick Rapley elected to replace Les Bailey for the European seat (Bailey was also replaced on the Executive Committee by Napa Tauei Napa),[4][5] Julian Dashwood becoming the MLA for Mauke and David Marama Hosking becoming an MLA for Ratotonga,[6] replacing Teupoko'ina Morgan after she emigrated to New Zealand

In November 1963 the Executive Committee was revamped, becoming a "shadow cabinet" with defined portfolios.[4] Dick Charles Brown was elected the first Leader of Government business, defeating Ngatupuna Matepi by a vote of 11–10.[7] A new speaker was also appointed, with Teariki Tuavera defeating Ngatapuna Matepi in a secret ballot.[4]

1963 Executive Committee porfolios
Portfolio Member
Leader of Government Business Dick Charles Brown
Deputy Leader William Estall
Customs, Finance, Inland Revenue, Labour, Post Office, Radio, Shipping & Air, Treasury
Agriculture, Co-operatives, Freezer, Hotel Napa Tauei Napa
Broadcasting, Health, Justice, Police and Prisons, Social Development Julian Dashwood
Education, Power, Printing, Public Works, Surveys Tangaroa Tangaroa

References

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  1. ^ Cook Is. Elections Bring Many New Faces Pacific Islands Monthly, June 1961, p21
  2. ^ a b c A Legislative Assembly Soon for Cooks Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1958, p139
  3. ^ They'll work towards Self-government Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1962, p21
  4. ^ a b c Talks Soon On Political Future Of The Cooks Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1964, p35
  5. ^ Pacific Islands Year Book 1963, p139
  6. ^ David J. Stone Self rule in the Cook Islands: The government and politics of a new micro-state
  7. ^ Speedy and Far-Reaching Changes In South Seas Political Scene Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1963, p7