A disagreement has broken out over the appointment a new head of New Caledonia's so-called "customary Senate".
The outgoing head Gabriel Paita is contesting the election of his successor because of what he claims is a procedural error.
Jean-Guy Boueri was elected last week, despite Mr Paita boycotting the meeting.
Mr Boueri says his appointment does not need to be a unanimous decision, but one reached by consensus.