Pacific / French Polynesia

New French Poly movement to present alternative list of candidates

15:02 pm on 26 March 2018

Dissidents of French Polynesia's pro-independence party say their movement to contest the election is called A Ti'a Mai.

Photo: RNZ

The new movement's leaders Heia Parau and Vetea Heller plan to present an alternative list of candidates at next month's territorial election, saying no current political figure will be included.

The movement was formed after a recent general strike to keep the retirement age of 60.

The two leaders have told Radio1 that many people have joined and that their list is being finalised.

They have restated that they are tired of the current system of politicians in their ivory towers, who on arrival in office forget why they were elected.

The party says integrity is their main condition to be allowed to stand.

Another group, E Reo Manahune, has presented its list of 73 candidates who don't have criminal convictions.

The main anti-independence parties are led by people with corruption convictions.