Cook Islands Party wins historic fifth consecutive term

The Cook Islands Party (CIP), led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, is set to return to power for a historic fifth consecutive term following the 2026 general election. The CIP secured an absolute majority with 13 of the 24 parliamentary seats. With additional support from six independents, the incoming government caucus is expected to hold an unprecedented supermajority of 19 seats.

The election results saw the total defeat of the main opposition, the Democratic Party, which lost all its seats, including those of leader Tina Pupuke-Browne and deputy leader Vaitoti Tupa. The Cook Islands United Party secured four seats, while seven independents were elected.

Mark Brown, who has served as prime minister since October 2020, will begin his fifth consecutive term as a Member of Parliament. He confirmed that Cabinet ministers who retained their seats will remain in their current positions.