Schedule Article 13(2)(a): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Schedule Article 13(2)(b): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Schedule Article 13(2)(c): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Schedule Article 13(2)(c) proviso: amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Schedule Article 13(3): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
14 Duration of office of members of Cabinet
(1) The appointment of the Premier who is in office immediately before the date of the holding of a general election of the Legislative Assembly may be terminated by the High Commissioner, acting in his discretion, after the date of the holding of that election and before the date of the commencement of the first session of the Assembly following that election.
(2) The appointment of the Premier who is in office at the commencement of the first session of the Legislative Assembly following a general election thereof shall be terminated by the High Commissioner on the seventh day of that session if the Premier has not sooner resigned.
(3) The appointment of the Premier shall also be terminated by the High Commissioner—
- (a) If the Premier ceases to be a member of the Legislative Assembly for any reason other than the dissolution of the Assembly; or
- (b) If the Legislative Assembly passes a motion in express words of no confidence in Cabinet or if Cabinet is defeated on any question or issue which the Premier has declared to be a question or issue of confidence:
- Provided that, if after the passing of such a motion or after that defeat the Premier so requests, the High Commissioner, acting in his discretion, may dissolve the Legislative Assembly instead of terminating the appointment of the Premier; or
- (c) If the Premier resigns his office by writing under his hand delivered to the High Commissioner; or
- (d) If the Premier is absent from the Cook Islands, otherwise than on official business, for a period of more than three months without written authority given by the High Commissioner, acting in his discretion.
(4) The office of any other Minister shall become vacant—
- (a) If the appointment of the Premier has been terminated under the provisions of subclause (1) or subclause (2) or subclause (3) of this Article; or
- (b) If the appointment of the Minister to that office is revoked by the High Commissioner, acting on the advice of the Premier, by instrument under the Seal of the Cook Islands; or
