19 Oct 2004

French Polynesian speaker seeks court ruling on deputy's action

4:17 pm on 19 October 2004

The president of French Polynesia's territorial assembly, Antony Geros, is laying a complaint with the local court over the decision by the assembly's third vice president, Lana Tetuanui, to call a sitting tomorrow for fresh presidential elections.

She called the sitting last week after being authorised by the French high commissioner.

But the ousted administration of Oscar Temaru says both defied the rules because the speaker had set October the 25th as the election date.

A government spokesperson, Claude Marere, says Lana Tetuanui is considered an usurper and they want this to be confirmed by a judge.

"He will say in two days whether it is legal or not, but for us it is evident that Mr Tony Geros is still here, not in travel, he is not outside of Tahiti, he is not ill, he is not sick."

Mr Marere says the MPs supporting Mr Temaru will not attend tomorrow's sitting because it is illegal.