(7) The House of Arikis shall not be disqualified for the transaction of business by reason of any vacancy among its members, and any proceedings therein shall be valid notwithstanding that some person who was not entitled to do so sat or voted in the House or otherwise took part in the proceedings.
Schedule Article 11A: inserted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
11B Privileges of House of Arikis and its members
Provision may be made by law for the application to the House of Arikis, its members and officers, persons entitled to speak therein, and persons publishing by or under the authority of the House any report, paper, vote, or proceeding of any of the provisions of any law for the time being in force relating to the privileges and immunities of the Legislative Assembly, its members and officers, persons entitled to speak therein, and persons publishing by or under the authority of the Assembly any report, paper, vote, or proceeding.
Schedule Article 11B: inserted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Part II
The Executive Government of the Cook Islands
12 Executive authority
(1) The executive authority of the Cook Islands shall be vested in Her Majesty the Queen in right of New Zealand.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive authority of the Cook Islands may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the High Commissioner, either directly or through officers subordinate to him.
(3) Nothing in this Article shall prevent the Legislative Assembly from conferring functions on persons or authorities other than the High Commissioner.
Schedule Article 12(2): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Schedule Article 12(3): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Cabinet
13 Cabinet
(1) There shall be a Cabinet of Ministers, comprising the Premier of the Cook Islands (who shall preside over Cabinet) and not fewer than three nor more than five other Ministers, which shall have the general direction and control of the executive government of the Cook Islands, and shall be collectively responsible therefor to the Legislative Assembly.
(2) The Premier shall be appointed as follows:
