19 Jun 2017

Anti-independence camp wins big in French Pacific

5:24 am on 19 June 2017
The French National Assembly

The French National Assembly Photo: AFP

The two candidates of the anti-independence Caledonia Together Party have won the territory's two seats in the French National Assembly.

Philippe Gomes, who was the incumbent, retained his seat by defeating Louis Mapou of the pro-independence side in yesterday's second round of voting.

The budget minister Philippe Dunoyer won the other seat by defeating Sonia Backes, who was one of four candidates of the anti-independence Republicans standing this year.

In French Polynesia, Maina Sage of the ruling Tapura Huiraatira was re-elected.

She is being joined in Paris by her party colleague, the education minister Nicole Sanquer.

The two beat rival anti-independence politicians of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira.

In the third seat, Moetai Brotherson of the pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira Party defeated the former health minister Patrick Howell.

The two Tapura politicians will back the party of president Emmanuel Macron.

Mr Dunoyer has said he will support the Republicans.