Politics of Tokelau

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Tokelau

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Tokelau

Administrator David Payton Head of Government Kolouei O'Brien Parliament Status referenda: 2006 | 2007

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Politics of Tokelau takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency. The chief of state is Queen Elizabeth, who is represented by Administrator Neil Walter. The head of government is Kolouei O'Brien, who presides over the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders, one from each atoll, which functions as a cabinet. The monarch is hereditary, the administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand, and the head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule for a one-year term.

The Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers legislative power on the General Fono, a unicameral body of 45 seats. Each atoll's Council of Elders or Taupulega chooses 15 representatives to serve three-year terms. No parties exist in Tokelau.

On November 11, 2004, Tokelau and New Zealand took steps to formulate a treaty that would turn Tokelau from a New Zealand territory to an entity that is in free association with New Zealand. Besides drafting a treaty, a UN sponsored "act of self-determination" has to take place. The referendum, supervised by the UN, started on February 11, 2006 and finished on February 15. Although a 60 percent majority voted in favor of the proposal, a two-thirds majority was required for the referendum to succeed, so Tokelau remains a New Zealand territory. In June 2006, Kolouei O'Brien announced that the Fono had agreed to hold a similar referendum again in late 2007 or early 2008.

• Tokelau had recently indicated its intention to schedule a second referendum for November 2007.[1]

[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the June 2005 Parliament of Tokelau election results

Members	Seats
Non-partisans	15
Total Turnout	15

[edit] See also

• Electoral system

[edit] External links

• The Modern House of Tokelau: Self-determination in a Pacific Atoll Nation