In the first round of voting in early municipal elections in Tumaraa, the candidate of the French Polynesian opposition has taken a lead.
Cyril Tetuanui, who is the incumbent mayor of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party, has won 43 percent of votes in his part of the electorate on the island of Raiatea.
He beat Lecourt Hunter of the ruling Union for Democracy who won just over 23 percent, while the Aia Api candidate, Tuti Peu, won just under 23 percent.
The Tahitipresse news agency says next round of voting will be this weekend.
The election was brought forward because of serious differences between Mr Tetuanui and his council after he switched party to join the territorial opposition.
