21 Jan 2010

Cooks PM hopes for MPs to back reforms

5:42 pm on 21 January 2010

The Cook Islands prime minister, Jim Marurai, says he hopes the majority of MPs will support the latest proposal for political reforms.

These include reducing the number of MPs and having the Prime Minister elected by the people.

Tata Crocombe from the economic development taskforce worked on this proposal with Iaveta Short, who chaired the commission of political review that compiled the 1988 report on reforming the political system.

Mr Marurai says it will be good to get the views of MPs without having to call parliament or hold a referendum to coincide with an election.

"The two promoters of this package are speaking with the MPs, Members of Parliament, and if the reception is acceptable to the MPs then there won't be any referendum."

The Cook Islands Prime Minister, Jim Marurai