A breakaway faction led by Norman George was named the New Alliance Party.

In 2002 Maoate was overthrown in a no confidence vote and replaced by his deputy Robert Woonton, also a member of the DAP.

At the next elections, 7 September 2004, the Democratic Alliance won 47.2% of popular votes and 12 out of 24 seats.

Prime Minister Robert Woonton, though initially believed to have retained his seat, which would have allowed the Democratic Party to have a majority, was determined in a recount to have received an equal number of votes as his opponent, and he lost a revote.

[8] However, several senior MPs, including former leader Terepai Maoate and former President John Tangi subsequently failed to win reselection and ran as independents.

"[12] The party promised stability,[12] benefit increases, and public service cuts.

[14] After the death of Robert Wigmore from cancer in April 2012 Wilkie Rasmussen was appointed acting leader.