Cook Islands PM Mark Brown Set to Retain Power After Election

Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands election is pointing towards another term for his Cook Islands Party after it secured 12 of the 24 parliamentary seats in preliminary results.

Brown is in a strong position to continue as prime minister, although the final outcome is pending because bad weather prevented voting on the remote island of Nassau.

The result comes as the Cook Islands government manages a delicate relationship with New Zealand while strengthening its ties with China. Brown’s administration has also supported plans to explore deep-sea mining, which has attracted environmental concerns. Despite the debate around these issues, early results suggest voters continue to support his party.

• Cook Islands election results point to another term for Mark Brown
• Mark Brown remains in a strong position after Cook Islands election
• China and New Zealand ties remain key issues for Cook Islands government

Cook Islands Party Holds Its Ground

The Cook Islands Party has won 12 seats so far, matching its performance in the previous election. One seat remains undecided after poor weather prevented election officials from reaching Nassau. Voting is expected to take place once conditions improve.

The Cook Islands population is spread across 15 islands, with around 15,000 people living across the country. The geography makes elections difficult to organise, especially in remote communities such as Nassau. The delayed vote means the final balance of the 24-seat Parliament is not yet known.

Brown has served as prime minister since 2020. During his time in office, his government has focused on economic recovery, tourism and creating new sources of revenue for the island nation.

Cost of living was also an important issue during the campaign. The Cook Islands relies heavily on imported goods because of its remote location, which can make everyday products and essential services more expensive. Economic growth and better opportunities for local communities were therefore important concerns for voters.

China Relationship Under Close Watch

Brown’s expected return will be closely watched because of his government’s approach to China-Cook Islands relations. The Cook Islands is self-governing in free association with New Zealand, and the two countries have traditionally maintained close political and economic ties.

Relations became tense after Brown’s government signed agreements with China without consulting New Zealand. The move raised concerns in Wellington about Beijing’s growing presence in the Pacific. New Zealand responded by suspending some funding for the Cook Islands.

Tensions have since eased. In April, New Zealand-Cook Islands relations received a boost when the two countries signed a defence and security agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation. Wellington also restored funding, helping to improve relations.

The election result suggests that the disagreement over China’s Pacific influence has not significantly weakened Brown’s domestic support. His government is likely to continue working with New Zealand while maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with other countries.

Deep-sea mining will also remain an important issue. Brown has supported exploring polymetallic nodules in the Cook Islands’ large exclusive economic zone, arguing that the resources could provide a new source of income for the country.

Environmental groups have warned that deep-sea mining risks could include damage to marine ecosystems that are still not fully understood. The government will therefore face pressure to balance potential economic benefits with environmental concerns.

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With 12 seats already secured and only one seat left to be decided, Brown’s party is in a strong position to form the next Cook Islands government. The final result will determine the exact parliamentary balance, but the preliminary figures suggest voters have given Brown another opportunity to lead the country.