20 Jan 2005

French Polynesian party disappointed at French observer snub

12:52 pm on 20 January 2005

The Union for Democracy coalition in French Polynesia has expressed disappointment at the French decision to refuse an election observer mission from the Pacific Island Forum.

A by-election is to be held in mid-February for 37 seats in Tahiti and Moorea after the French supreme court annulled the general election result because of polling irregularities.

The coalition led by Oscar Temaru wanted to have observers during the campaign and the election but France has rejected the offer.

One of the coalition candidates, Myron Mataoa, alleges attempts are being made by the rival Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party to buy votes by door-knocking politicians.

"Without an outside mission, like the Forum mission coming in for this election in February, we kind of think there will be some other tricks they will do."

Myron Mataoa.