12 Dec 2006

Cook parliament to meet after September election

5:57 pm on 12 December 2006

The Cook Islands Parliament is to meet this week for the first time since the general election in September.

Radio Cook Islands says the parliamentary session follows the withdrawal of the final petition challenging the election results, which had been lodged by the Cook Islands Party leader, Henry Puna.

Parliament cannot meet until all the election petitions are heard by the courts.

The radio says the session is likely to include the passing of the Budget which had been delayed after early elections were called in July.

It is also expected to see the election of speaker and deputy speaker and confirmation of the prime minister.