1 Sep 2008

Leader of French Polynesia Aia Api party leader delays decision on candidacy

10:19 am on 1 September 2008

The leader of French Polynesia's Aia Api Party, Emile Vernaudon, has

delayed his decision on whether to stand in the French senate election on September the 21st.

A week ago, Mr Vernaudon said he would make his decision known while

demanding that President Gaston Tong Sang sack two ministers because the two no longer represented Aia Api's values.

His demand was ignored when the council of ministers met during the past week and Mr Vernaudon then went to say that not to reshuffle the

government added to the political stability.

Mr Vernaudon also said he would announce whether he would stand for the senate but he now says he has until the 12th of this month to register a possible candidacy.

He told a weekend meeting of party followers in Tahiti that he may strike a deal with the opposition, but would only do so after consulting the party base.

Earlier this year, Mr Vernaudon was re-elected mayor of Mahina while in jail but wasn't allowed to stand for re-election to the territorial

assembly.