The French Polynesian Olympic Committee has elected the sports minister, Tauhiti Nena, as its new president seven years after he lost the post.
Mr Nena has told a local newspaper that he won't mix sports and politics now that he holds both portfolios.
The outgoing committee president, Louis Provost, says the choice shows that sport is being politicised.
Mr Nena says his main focus will be on preparing for the 2011 South Pacific Games in New Caledonia.