The president of French Polynesia's assemby, Philip Schyle, has quit the ruling To Tatou Aia coalition ahead of this week's vote on a new assembly president.
This comes amid pressure on the To Tatou Aia side to honour last November's deal with the Tahoeraa Huiraatira to cede the assembly presidency to the Tahoeraa.
Mr Schyle has already spoken out against the possibility of the Tahoeraa leader, Gaston Flosse, becoming the assembly president, suggesting that Mr Flosse's record with the judiciary is a blemish.
While pulling out of the coalition, Mr Schyle has told local television that he will continue to support the government programme of the president, Gaston Tong Sang.
"Where the confidence doesn't exist any more, where it is no longer accorded to us by To Tatou Aia, it seems to us extremely difficult to work under such conditions."
Philip Schyle says he will still be a candidate for the assembly presidency.
The To Tatou Aia is yet to name its candidate.
