Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

New Cook Islands PM sworn in

Posted at 20:08 on 30 November, 2010 UTC

The leader of the Cook Islands Party, Henry Puna, has been sworn in as the new Cook Islands prime minister by the Queen’s representative, Sir Frederick Goodwin.

Our correspondent in the Cook Islands, Florence Syme-Buchanan, reports.

“Mr Puna has not disclosed who will be his deputy or which Cook Islands Party MP’s will be in his Cabinet. He is expected to make that official announcement later today or tomorrow. The Cook Islands Party takes over as the new government this week after winning a two-thirds majority against the Democratic Party in the recent general elections. The Democratic Party has not lodged any electoral petitions -- making a smooth transition for the new Cook Islands Party government. In contrast to past swearing in ceremonies, the Head of state office has closed off the ceremony to all media except for one newspaper and local tv.”