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Cook Islands

Boundary Delimitation

BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:08:05 UTC

BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:08:05 UTC

BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:08:05 UTC

Direct Democracy

DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Teokoati Joseph
b. Job Title: Chief Probation Officer
c. Organisation: Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
d. Contact Address. PO Box 111, Raratonga
e. Telephone: 00682 29410/29458

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level? Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level? Date (yyyy)

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable X

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
b. Not applicable X

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
b. Not applicable X

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:10:46 UTC

DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:03:09 UTC

DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD86 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

DD99 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-08 10:13:49 UTC

Electoral Management

EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Office
b. Full Address PO Box 111- Ministry of Justice, Cook Islands
c. Telephone (628) 29410
d. Facsimile (682) 28610
e. Email Office@justice.gov.ck
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Terry Hagan, Chief Electoral Officer
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
d. A national government department

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
a. For the election period only

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:05:32 UTC

Legislative Framework

LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:03:29 UTC

LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:03:29 UTC

LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary

Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:45:25 UTC

LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:03:29 UTC

Media and Elections

ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Teokoati Joseph
b. Job Title: Chief Probation Officer,
c. Organisation: Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
d. Contact Address: PO Box 111, Raratonga
e. Telephone: (682) 29410/29458
g. Email: Tjoseph@justice.gov.ck

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster? Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable

Comments: No free broadcast time or free printed advertisement is allocated to political parties.
Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X

Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:31:51 UTC

Parties and Candidates

PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)

Comments: a) Nomination paper shall be signed by the nominee, who shall be a qualified person pursuant to the electoral act 2004 to be so nominated and at least two registered electors of the constituency for which the nomination is made and the signature of the president at the time of that political party. b) Deposit requirement $500.00 and must be paid no later than noon on the nominating day.
Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2007-01-05 07:48:49 UTC

PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:18:24 UTC

Vote Counting

VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official

Comments: a.) The candidate of choice is marked.
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2005-08-12 13:28:16 UTC

VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:27:07 UTC

VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
b. Always recounted

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:27:07 UTC

VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:27:07 UTC

Voter Education

VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:09:43 UTC

VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:09:43 UTC

VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:09:43 UTC

Voting Operations

VO03 Where can electors vote?
b. At any polling station in the same voting district
e. At mobile polling stations
f. By mail

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)

Comments: b.) The voter becomes ineligible to vote if she/he is absent for more four years for reasons other than study, medical referral or diplomatic duty.
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
e. By mail

Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2005-08-12 15:02:11 UTC

VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
b. By mail
e. Other

Comments: e) Voting is also possible in a booth
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot

Source: Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC

VO14 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the other polling officials for the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2006-12-18 16:25:39 UTC