26 Mar 2007

Call for early French Polynesian election in June

4:06 pm on 26 March 2007

The French Polynesian opposition says early general elections could be held in June when voters already go to the polls to elect a new French assembly.

The opposition has been holding weekly rallies in support of its call to dissolve the assembly amid its claim that the government of Gaston Tong Sang formed last December lacks legitimacy.

The opposition says it has a motion ready for another bid to oust the government and to have fresh elections.

This comes as infighting within the ruling Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party has prompted the party president, Gaston Flosse, to suggest a return to the polls while some members threaten to defect.

An opposition MP, Tea Hirshon, says the situation is unstable and voters should be given a fresh choice.

"We could have it in June with the parliamentary elections. It could be held at the same time. That's one idea that's circulating around."

Tea Hirshon