French Polynesia's independence leader Oscar Temaru has won the backing of a New Caledonian pro-independence party in his quest to stand in next year's French presidential election.
During his visit to New Caledonia, Mr Temaru has now won the support of the Caledonian Union as he is trying to secure the minimum 500 backers needed to file a candidacy.
To be eligible, a candidate must have at least 500 signatures of the potentially 47,000 parliamentarians, assembly members and mayors across France and its dependencies.
Oscar Temaru Photo: RNZI
The backers also need to be from at least 30 different departments or territories.
Mr Temaru, whose campaign has also taken him to Corsica, said his aim was to be a presidential candidate to win most votes in Tahiti but not in mainland France.
While backing Mr Temaru, the Caledonian Union has said it won't stand a candidate in next year's election of a new French National Assembly and Senate.