8 Aug 2013

French Polynesia opposition challenges legality of government decisions

6:00 pm on 8 August 2013

The French Polynesian opposition says it will take five decisions by the territorial assembly to court, claiming they are invalid.

The ruling Tahoeraa Huiraatira has immediately denounced the move as sabotage and an attempt to paralyse the government.

The opposition Union For Democracy is taking issue with a resolution against the territory's re-inscription on the UN decolonisation list, saying it was pushed through improperly because it was not on the assembly's agenda.

It says there was no basis to use the assembly premises as the vote could as well have been held in a cafe or on a beach

The Union For Democracy party says it is important to show that the new government has begun its work with an illegal act.

It also objects to the creation of an ombudsman's position, which is being filled by an unsuccessful election candidate, Teiva Manutahi, who switched sides between the two rounds of this year's election.