2 Dec 2004

Paris court recommends upholding French Polynesian presidential election result

9:41 am on 2 December 2004

The Supreme Court in Paris has been advised that the latest eight appeals against the outcome of the French Polynesian elections should all be thrown out.

In a public hearing, the government commissioner, Francis Donnat, said despite the formal irregularities in the procedure, the sincerity of President Gaston Flosse's election in October had not been spoilt.

Mr Donnat's recommendations will go to the court which will deliver its final ruling within a week.

He says the judges are less concerned if formal criteria have not been met but whether the general conditions have been such to allow for the free expression of those taking part in the election.

Observers say the court is likely to follow the government commissioner's recommendation.