Maoate’s faction threatens to leave the Demo Party

STOP PRess: Hon Robert Wigmore elected party leader

The 9 member faction supporting former DPM Sir Terepai Maoate signaled their intention to walk away from the Democratic Party unless the PM agreed to their demand to be recognized (see report below).
At the Democratic Party Conference held at the AOG Hall in Takuvaine on Wednesday commencing at 8am, The following key office bearers were elected during the morning session. The conference was well attended and Sir Terepai Maoate was present.
President: Sean Willis (replaces Makiuti Tongia)
Vice President: Karla Eggelton (re-elected)
Secretary General: Angeline Tuara (replaces John Tangi MP)
Treasurer: Bim Tou (re-elected).
Following the election of office bearers conference considered remits up to and following the luncheon break.
Of note were two remits to re-admit Prime Minister Jim Marurai and Finance Minister Wilkie Rasmussen to the Party.
Marurai and Rasmussen were successfully readmitted back into the Party after a vote took place. Participants were given the opportunity to voice their views and state their case as to why the Prime Minister should be reinstated back into the Democratic Party. Former Deputy PM Sir Terepai Maoate explained the reasons behind the PM being expelled from the party, saying till this day he did not fully understand why he was removed from his post as the DPM just before Christmas by the PM and says this had hurt his family tremendously. Vote was by show of hands. The PM was successfully reinstated back into the Democratic Party. As for Rasmussen, a remit was received from Penryhn to reinstate the Minister and it was supported by two other puna’s. Sir Terepai once again noted that he was not in favour of Rasmussen returning to the party. However, a secret ballot was held and 29 votes to 17 were in favour of reinstating Rasmussen. As for the remaining cabinet Ministers, Cassey Eggelton, Apii Piho, William Heather and Robert Wigmore the current Deputy Prime Minister, because there was no evidence that they were ever expelled, the Ministers are still members of the Democratic Party.
In another interesting development, conference considered a remit asking whether the government should continue until the election. After some discussion it was agreed that The PM and Sir Terepai enter into discussions to resolve their differences. Sir Terepai wanted government to recognise the other faction or their 9 members might leave the party. Some trade- offs may be in order.
In the afternoon there was a 45 minute break and conference resumed at 2.50pm to elect Party Leader and Deputy Party Leader.
At the time of going to print the matter of Leader and Deputy Leader had still to be voted on.

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