Demos in war of words.

How it began
PRESS RELEASE – Monday 10 May 2010
The Cook Islands Democratic Party conference date is confirmed. On Monday 31st May at 8am at the Takuvaine AOG Hall will be the opening of the 2010 conference.
As of lunchtime today having waited since the first hand delivered letter on April 16th and then another follow up letter on 06 May – the General Secretary nor the President nor the Vice Presidents, in fact NOONE from the Executive have acknowledged nor replied or advised the date for the Conference. The majority Punas and action committee therefore have agreed to hold this conference as soon as possible and as allowed by the Party Constitution. This is to ensure the availability of all puna representatives especially those from the outer islands. The conference will be held at the Takuvaine AOG Hall starting with an 8am registration.
The current action team headed by assistant President Sean Willis are aware of the need to open up channels of communication between all democratic party members and the objective at this conference is to break down these barriers by giving all punas and their representatives the opportunity to voice their opinion and be a part of the decision making process. The Democratic Party support free thinking individuals wanting positive change. These rights must be exercised. Signed letters of support have been received by 15 Puna to date. These are:
• Akaoa
• Areora/Tengatangi/Ngatiaura - Atiu
• Arutanga/Reureu/Nikaupara - Aitutaki
• Ivirua - Mangaia
• Manihiki
• Matavera – Rarotonga
• Muri Enua - Rarotonga
• Nikao Panama – Rarotonga
• Ruaau – Rarotonga
• Takuvaine - Rarotonga
• Tamarua - Mangaia
• Teenui/Mapumai – Atiu
• Titikaveka – Rarotonga
• Tongareva
• Tupapa Maraerenga – Rarotonga
This majority is an indication of the request for punas to hold this conference.
This does not include the further support by Cabinet Ministers, MP’s and
Executive Members.

Demo Executive response
Outer islands refuse to sign conference petition
Outer island Demo officials have refused to sign this government-sponsored petition for a conference end of this month according to Demo president Makiuti Tongia.
An executive from the southern group island described the conference as a disguise for the new Cook Islands United Party, he said.
Tongia said, Government officials pressured his executives on Manihiki, Rakahanga, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Nga Pu toru, Aitutaki and Mangaia to sign their petition for a conference.
One cabinet minister made repeated phone calls to some of the executives of the northern group.
Tongia said our executives were told they would loose their government jobs if they did not support the petition. The executives however refused to be bullied and did not sign the petition.
Government officials from Raro even told our executive to stand down as executive of our party.
This is sad. It is undemocratic and a regression to dirty politics played 40 years ago said Tongia.

Reaction by Demo action team
PRESS RELEASE – Tuesday 11 May 2010
In response to CI Radio and media release by Makiuti Tongia.
Heck! It’s alive! This is the first time that the president has replied to our requests, as he has never made the time or effort when we have gone through proper channels. This knee jerk reaction was expected. His insinuation that this is the fair runner for the Cook Islands United Party is a diversion trying to once again misinform the Democratic supporters. Actually this would aptly describe some of the executive if you add the letter “o” CIUP becomes CIOUP (maori “TIOUPU”).
The delegates have signed, we have not given the names of those signed so that they won’t be intimidated by the executive as was the case in Rakahanga. We have the numbers. Yes a Minister has been talking to Rakahanga and Manihiki, he is from there and wants them to hear the other side of the issue i.e. to have a conference or not!
With regards to bullying tactics, undemocratic and dirty politics from 40 years ago, “come on man, change the scratched record. I’m sure there are a lot of people all over the Cook Islands who can point that remark back at some of you. This is 2010 not 1970. I rest my case.
The majority has spoken - see you at the conference!
Sean Willis
Assistant President
Cook Islands Democratic Party Inc

More from the Demo action team
PRESS RELEASE #2 – Tuesday 11 May 2010
The Democratic Party Action Team and the majority punas support a conference. A conference is democracy in action its a way once and for all to get a majority decision for the good of the party whatever that may be.
To date, the The Democratic Party Action Team have not received any indication, verbal or written of any outer island or Rarotonga puna refusing to sign NOT ONE!
Sadly, at a time when the Leader and President should be embracing the request of the majority, they continue to silence the punas – what are they afraid of? This propaganda and spin doctoring needs to stop. And it will – at the Conference on 31 May. How can 45 individuals 15 chairpersons, and 30 executive members be coerced when we are seeking freedom and rights of speech, not stopping them from speaking who refuses this?
There has not and nor will there ever be a new party. The Democratic Party Action Team want one united party and that is the Cook Islands Democratic Party.
There has been no pressure for Punas to agree to a conference. There was some confusion, but these misperceptions are slowly being clarified. Punas in Manihiki, Penrhyn, Atiu, Aitutaki and Mangaia have sent through signed letters in support and we are expecting more to come through. It is not a matter of ‘if’ but a matter of ‘when’
We repeat, To date, The Democratic Party Action Team have not received any indication, verbal or written of any outer island or Rarotonga puna refusing to sign NOT ONE!
Candidates will be announced at the Conference. Candidate selection is coordinated, voted and sealed by the village puna. The central executive cannot choose or tamper with the work of the Puna.

Demo Executive response targets women as candidates
Demo Targets women candidates
The Democratic Party is targeting women candidates for this coming election. So far, 11 have shown interest, from the puna electorates of Manihiki, Ruaau, Akaoa, Ivirua, Takuvaine, Murienua, Matavera, Atiu, Titikaveka, Nikao and Tamarua.
Democratic Party president Makiuti Tongia said he was happy with the increased interest shown by women in national politics. Tongia encouraged women to also take advantage of all political parties.
Two heads is always better than one, in terms of gender said Tongia in planning national issues with confidence and clarity.

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