A referendum on reducing the number of MPs was held in the Cook Islands on 17 November 2010, alongside the general elections. Although 64% of voters voted in favour, the proposal failed as it required two-third of voters to vote in favour.
According to a poll published by the Cook Islands News on 11 September 2010, 76% of respondents supported the referendum proposal. A number of politicians publicly stated their support for the referendum proposal, including Democratic Party Leader Robert Wigmore and Cook Islands Party deputy leader Teina Bishop.