3 Sep 2007

French Polynesia's Temaru undecided over candidacy for president

3:20 pm on 3 September 2007

French Polynesia's opposition is yet to decide who it will nominate as candidate for President for next week's election.

This comes amid a French decision to hold general elections in the territory within the next few months at dates yet to be set.

The Union For Democracy succeeded with its no confidence motion to oust President Gaston Tong Sang and his eight-month-old government two days ago.

The party had the support of some members of Mr Tong Sang's Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party which is set to nominate Edouard Fritch for the top post.

Tea Hirshon of the Union For Democracy says its leader, Oscar Temaru, who was ousted in December, may not stand.

"His first comments were that it would not be good for him to be the president because he would be tied up as the president for everybody and not be able to campaign."

Nominations are open for another three days.