Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament

Cook Islands

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The Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament is the presiding officer of the Cook Islands Parliament. The manage the House in accordance with its Standing Orders and according to the traditions of the Westminster system.

The current Speaker is Geoffrey Henry, a member of the Cook Islands Party.[1]

Contents

Election

The Speaker is elected by the House at the beginning of a parliamentary term according to the provisions of the Cook Islands Constitution and the Standing Orders. Unlike other Westminster systems the Speaker does not have to be a Member of Parliament, though they must be qualified to be one. By law they may not be a Cabinet Minister.[2]

The Constitution requires that Parliament elect the person nominated by the Prime Minister,[3] however the parliament's Standing Orders include a process for contested elections.[4]

Following their election the Speaker must present themselves to the Queen's Representative to swear an oath of allegiance and lay claim to the privileges of the House.[5]

The Speaker holds office until they cease to be an MP (or, in the case of a Speaker who is not an MP, cease to be qualified to be one), become a Minister, are removed by a vote of the House, or Parliament is dissolved.[6]

Deputy Speaker

The Speaker is assisted by a Deputy Speaker, elected by Parliament.[7] The current Deputy Speaker is John Henry.[1]

Holders of the office

Eight people have held the office of Speaker since the creation of Parliament.[8] A full list of Speakers is below.

Name Took Office Left Office Speaker's Party Governing Party
1 Marguerite Story 1965 1979 Unknown Cook Islands Party
2 David Marama Hosking 1979 1988 Unknown Mixed
3 Raututi Taringa 1989 1999 Unknown Cook Islands Party
4 Ngereteina Puna 1999 2001 Unknown Democratic Party
5 Harmon Pou 24 July 2001 24 July 2001 Unknown Democratic Party
6 Sir Pupuke Robati[9] 24 July 2001 2004 Democratic Party Democratic Party
7 Norman George 2004 2005 Unelected Democratic Party
Norman George, continued 2005 2006 Unelected Cook Islands First Party
8 Mapu Taia 2006 2010 Democratic Party Democratic Party
9 Geoffrey Henry 18 February 2011 Incumbent Cook Islands Party Cook Islands Party

References

  1. ^ a b "Sir Geoffrey back in parliament". Cook Islands News. 2011-02-19. http://www.cinews.co.ck/2011/February/Wed23/local.htm#1102190105. Retrieved 2011-10-16. 
  2. ^ Constitution of the Cook Islands, s31 (2A).
  3. ^ Constitution of the Cook Islands, s31 (2).
  4. ^ Standing Orders of the Parliament of the Cook Islands, SO 9 and 10.
  5. ^ Standing Orders of the Parliament of the Cook Islands, SO 11.
  6. ^ Constitution of the Cook Islands, s32.
  7. ^ Constitution of the Cook Islands, s33; Standing Orders of the Parliament of the Cook Islands, SO 13 - 17.
  8. ^ "Former Members of the Cook Islands Parliament". Cook Islands Parliament. http://www.parliament.gov.ck/former.html. Retrieved 2009-03-21. 
  9. ^ "A colourful politician who held all posts". Cook Islands News. 2009-05-02. http://www.cinews.co.ck/2009/May/Wed06/features.htm. Retrieved 2010-02-23. 

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