French Polynesia mayor cleared of favouritism

The court of appeal in French Polynesia has acquitted a high-profile mayor Cyril Tetuanui in a case of alleged favouritism.

Tahiti media report that in a second case of passive corruption, his conviction was upheld and he was fined $US15,000.

However, the court spared him a prison sentence and quashed the lower court's sentence of ineligibility to hold office.

This means he will be able to seek re-election in next year's municipal election.

Mr Tetuanui, who is the mayor of Tumara'a on the island of Raiatea, is also the president of the organisation promoting French Polynesia's local councils.

Six years ago, he was declared ineligible for public office for a year, but the sentence lapsed because for a year the relevant French court document wasn't sent from the court in Papeete to the French High Commission in Papeete to make it official.