French Polynesia's backers of Nicolas Sarkozy in the French presidential race have switched their support to Francois Fillon after the former president was eliminated in last weekend's primaries.
The Republicans new frontrunner is Mr Fillon, who emerged France-wide as the party's highest scoring candidate in the first round.
In this weekend's run-off he will be standing against another former prime minister Alain Juppe to become the party's candidate for next year's election.
In French Polynesia, Mr Juppe is being backed by the ruling Tapura Huiraatira while the Tahoeraa Huiraatira now supports Mr Fillon.
In the first round Mr Juppe won 48 percent while Mr Fillon won just five percent.
Former French prime minister Francois Fillon. Photo: AFP