Cook Islands MP Norman George says the passing of two bills in parliament yesterday represents a major stage in the country's reform process.
The five-year term of government in the Cook islands could be shortened to four years after parliament decided to put the matter to a referendum at the next general elections.
Members from both sides of the House passed the bill and a separate measure abolishing the overseas seat.
Mr George says the government is making good progress in the overall reform process.
"We've already done a lot of work internally inside parliament. We've made a lot of changes in our procedures, in setting up new committees. I think if you look at a ratio of our changes or success to that I think we have already accomplished about 70 percent."
Norman George says they'll next look at another seat to be reduced in parliament - one of the three seats of Tamarua on the island of Manaia - to bring the total number to 23 seats.