6 Aug 2008

Flosse-Tuheiava ticket in French Polynesia for French senate election

11:19 am on 6 August 2008

The anti-independence opposition Tahoeraa Huiraatira party in French Polynesia has confirmed that it will run a ticket with the candidate of the pro-independence Union For Democracy, Richard Tuheiava, in next month's French senate election.

The Tahoeraa meeting in Papeete confirmed that its leader and French Polynesia's sole senator, Gaston Flosse, will contest the poll with the 34-year-old lawyer who was selected as candidate at the weekend.

Mr Flosse had lobbied for pro-independence leader, Oscar Temaru, to contest the race but Mr Temaru decided he wanted to remain mayor of Faa'a and assembly president.

The ruling To Tatou Aia coalition of Gaston Tong Sang is yet to announce its candidates for the election which will be decided by an electoral college made up of assembly members, mayors and municipal councillors.

This year, French Polynesia will for the first time choose two senators when a third of the French upper house is renewed.