12 Dec 2006

French Polynesian MP questions opposition's cohesion

3:53 pm on 12 December 2006

An assembly member of French Polynesia's ruling coalition, Tea Hirshon, says she doubts the opposition will have the numbers to oust the government the day after tomorrow.

Last night, the opposition deposited a motion of no confidence in the government of Oscar Temaru whose administration was formed in March of last year.

It says his rule has led to social tension and undermined confidence.

The opposition grouping is being fronted by Gaston Tong Sang of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party which had nominated him last year to stand against Mr Temaru in the presidential election.

Ms Hirshon says the opposition doesn't have the numbers.

"They don't have the 29 votes that are required. Also the condition is that Gaston Flosse and Edouard Fritch are not part of the gopvernment. We've just received some information they are actually fighting."

The opposition planned to file a motion in April but abandoned it.

The reported plan was to then appoint the Aia Api leader, Emile Vernaudon, as president although he has this year been given a one-year suspended prison sentence for corruption.