A referendum on reducing the term length of Parliament from five to four years was held in the Cook Islands on 16 June 1999.[1] The proposal would amend article 37 of the constitution, which at the time read "The Queen's Representative shall dissolve Parliament at the expiration of 5 years from the date of the last preceding general election, if it has not sooner been dissolved."[1] The change was approved by 64.5% of voters, but this was below the two-thirds majority required to modify the constitution.[1] A second referendum in 2004 was passed by the majority required.[2]
Results
edit| Choice | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | 64.5 | ||
| Against | 36.5 | ||
| Total | |||
| Total votes | 9,371 | – | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 10,601 | 88.40 | |
| Source: Direct Democracy | |||
References
edit- ^ a b c Cook Islands, 16 June 1999: Legislative term four or five years= Direct Democracy (in German)
- ^ Cook Islands, 7 September 2004: Shortening of the Legislature to four years Direct Democracy (in German)