Pacific

Further party support rejig ahead of Tahiti polls

13:31 pm on 29 April 2013

French Polynesia's Tahoeraa Huiraatira says it is surprised that the leader of the small Te Ara Tia Party, Frank Falletta, has decided that he will now back the Tahoeraa's pro-autonomy rival.

Mr Falletta has told Tahiti News that a voice told him during the night that he should support the A Tia Porinetia.

Campaigning is in its last days as voters prepare for the second round of the election of a new territorial assembly.

The Tahoeraa dominated the first round and some of the eliminated parties have suggested to their supporters who to vote for in the run-off.

It says Mr Falletta, who is a high-profile businessman, had talked to the Tahoeraa leader, seeking a ministerial position.

Mr Falletta has told Tahiti-infos that if the A Tia Porinetia wins, he will quit his job and spend a year as an unpaid inter-ministerial delegate to help promote investments.