2004 Cook Islands parliamentary term referendum

2004 Cook Islands parliamentary term referendum

7 September 2004
[_] I agree with the Constitution Amendment (No. 27) Bill which proposes that the term of parliament be reduced from 5 years to four (4) years. [_] I do not agree with the Constitution Amendment (No. 27) Bill.
Results
Choice Votes  % Agree 6,079 82.27% Do not agree 1,310 17.73% Valid votes 7,389 93.28% Invalid or blank votes 532 6.72% Total votes 7,921 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 9,712 81.56%

A referendum on reducing the term length of Parliament from five to four years was held in the Cook Islands on 7 September 2004. ^[1] It followed a referendum on the same subject in 1999 that was approved by a majority of voters, but not the two-thirds required to be passed. ^[2] The proposal would amend article 37 of the constitution, which at the time read "The Queen's Representative shall dissolve Parliament at the expiration of 5 years from the date of the last preceding general election, if it has not sooner been dissolved." ^[1] The change was approved by 82.27% of voters, passing the two-thirds threshold. ^[1]

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	6,079	82.27
Against	1,310	17.73
Invalid/blank votes	532	–
Total	7,912	100
Registered voters/turnout	9,712	81.55
Source: Direct Democracy

References

1. Cook Islands, 7 September 2004: Shortening of the Legislature to four years Direct Democracy (in German)
2. Cook Islands, 29 June 1999: Legislative term four or five years= Direct Democracy (in German)