21 Aug 2007

French Polynesian parties opposed to creation of single constituency

1:05 pm on 21 August 2007

French Polynesian politicians have spoken out against electoral reforms that would replace the current six constituencies with a single electorate comprising all island groups.

Top members of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira party have told this to the French minister in charge of overseas territories, Christian Estrosi, who is scheduled to have talks with several delegations from Tahiti.

The meetings come as the majority of anti-independence parties has fallen apart over disagreements about how many ministerial portfolios should be given to the Tahoeraa faction led by the party president, Gaston Flosse.

Mr Flosse has withdrawn his support for President Gaston Tong Sang, depriving him of the numbers to pass the budget.

Mr Flosse has spoken out for early elections and a shortening of the assembly term which has been five years.

The opposition Union For Democracy would like to hold talks with the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, to review the territory's statute.

Mr Sarkozy is due in Tahiti in two months to formalise a development contract negotiated with Mr Tong Sang last month.