The jailed leader of French Polynesia's Aia Api Party, Emile Vernaudon, has launched his bid to be re-elected as mayor of Mahina after missing out on running for the territorial assembly.
Mr Vernaudon has been in prison since early December amid an investigation into alleged fraud and misuse of public money.
But he has launched his campaign to be re-elected as mayor when municipal elections are to be held next month.
In the territorial election earlier this month, his partner, Heifara Izal, launched her political career by taking his place in the To Tatou Aia coalition list and winning an absolute majority in Mahina.
Last month, hundreds of people, including the To Tatou Aia leader, Gaston Tong Sang, marched through Papeete, calling for Mr Vernaudon's release from prison.
