Investigation into French Polynesia official's alleged election incitement

6:55 am on 5 July 2018
Gaston Flosse

Gaston Flosse Photo: AFP

An investigation has been opened in French Polynesia into alleged incitement to violence during the election campaign in April.

The probe is targeting the president of the opposition Tahoeraa Huiraatira party Gaston Flosse over his comments at a news conference.

Alluding to the 1995 riots, he warned that the Polynesians' patience had its limits and suggested the reelection of the Tapura Huiraatira could lead to unrest.

Radio1 says the complaint was lodged by the French Polynesian government and has been investigated for a few weeks already.

Last month, the president Edouard Fritch initiated legal action against the Tahoeraa's top candidate in the last election Geffry Salmon for alleged defamation.