Edouard Fritch in victory speech Photo: TV La 1ere
French Polynesia's president Edouard Fritch has launched legal action against a rival politician for alleged defamation during the election campaign.
Geffry Salmon, who is the leader of the opposition Tahoeraa Huiraatira party, is being taken to court for accusing Mr Fritch and his party of vote buying.
Mr Salmon said during a news conference between the two rounds of the territorial election that the ruling Tapura Huiraatira of Mr Fritch disbursed large sums to secure votes.
He said this was worse than what had been done earlier by the Tahoeraa leader Gaston Flosse, adding that Mr Fritch surpassed his master.
The Tahoeraa made several other accusations of irregularities by Tapura candidates but didn't pursue them.
According to Tahiti-infos, Mr Salmon will be heard by the criminal court next week in a preliminary step.
In last month's election, the Tapura won 38 of the assembly's 57 seats.