Cook Islands Politics

The politics of the Cook Islands are based on a system of parliamentary government, modeled after the British system. The Queen is represented in the Cook Islands by the Queen’s Representative, is Head of State and the Chief Minister is the head of government. There is a multi-party system and the islands are self-governing in free association with New Zealand and fully responsible for both internal and external affairs. New Zealand no longer has any responsibility for external affairs.

As of 2005, it has diplomatic relations in its own name with eighteen other countries. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of the Cook Islands. There is also an independent judiciary branch.

The Cook Islands are not United Nations full members but participate in WHO and UNESCO, and are an associate member of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

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