A hearing has been postponed in French Polynesia in a court case brought by the president Edouard Fritch who claims that his predecessor, Gaston Flosse, is ineligible to be a party leader because of his criminal conviction.
Edouard Fritch and Gaston Flosse in 2013 Photo: RNZI Walter Zweifel
Last year, Flosse lost his civic rights for three years when he was also given a suspended four-year jail sentence and a large fine for corruption.
Mr Fritch argues that Flosse has also forfeited his rights to lead the Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party which four weeks ago moved to expel Mr Fritch, following months of acrimony.
Flosse's lawyer says there is no obstacle for Flosse to lead an association like a party, despite the conviction.
Mr Fritch also says Flosse has stayed in his leadership position despite a party rule which says a party member must be on the electoral roll.
The hearing was deferred for a third time and is now due to go ahead on October the 12th.