The winners of yesterday's first round of French Polynesia's election to choose members of the new French assembly have expressed confidence that they will secure the seats in the second round to be held in two weeks.
Bruno Sandras, who won in the eastern constituency, says he hopes to get the backing of the others in the pro-autonomy camp, including that of the president, Gaston Tong Sang.
Both politicians are members of the ruling Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party but which has seen internal rifts in recent time.
The incumbent who has failed to make the second round, Beatrice Vernaudon, regretted that there has been such a polarisation between the Tahoeraa and the pro-independence camp.
Their two top candidates, Mr Sandras and Michel Buillard, will stand against Pierre Frebault and Oscar Temaru respectively in the two run-off elections.
