The Cook Islands is governed by a parliament, based on the Westminster two party system, consisting of 24 elected members. The Government is led by the Prime Minister who appoints a cabinet to assist in the function of government. While it operates as a unicameral system in the way in which legislation is passed and enacted, based on the British House of Commons, a second 15 member House of Akiri, consisting of 15 chiefs, advises the government on land use and customary practises. All other legislation is passed to one of the nine select committees to consider prior to being returned to the House. The nine select committees are: 1. Commerce, 2. Education and Science, 3. Finance and Expenditure, 4. Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Trade, 5. Land, Local Government, and Cultural Affairs, 6. Law and Order, 7. Labour, 8. Privileges, 9. Social Services, Health, and Environment.

The 15 Akiris (chiefs) are representative of the broader Cook Islander community with the larger island of Raratonga represented by six chiefs and a single chief from each of the nine outer islands forming the remaining representation. All adult Cook Islanders are entitled to vote although it is not compulsory.