Pacific / French Polynesia

French Polynesia's Tuihani will name new party in 2018

07:44 am on 20 November 2017

The president of the French Polynesian assembly Marcel Tuihani says he will announce the name of his new party on 15th January.

After indicating his plan to launch his own party ahead of next year's election, Mr Tuihani told a media conference that much work needs to be done to get it up and running.

In June, Mr Tuihani quit as the number two of the anti-independence Tahoeraa Huiraatira party led by Gaston Flosse to remain in the assembly as an independent.

No policies have been announced but he said he does not want to divide but unite the people.

Mr Tuihani is yet to name candidates but said he has financial backers who for the time being don't want to be identified.

In the 2013 election, the Tahoeraa won an overwhelming majority but has since faded after defections and expulsions.

All anti-independence parties are led by former Tahoeraa members.

Marcel Tuihani Photo: AFP