The enchanting island of Bora Bora, renowned for its turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows, is making headlines not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its connection to the recent political shifts in French Polynesia.
French Polynesia, a vast overseas territory in the South Pacific, has elected the pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira party, led by former president Oscar Temaru.
The party secured an absolute majority in the Assembly of French Polynesia, winning 38 out of 57 seats, according to reports from French newspaper Le Figaro. This electoral outcome has revitalised longstanding calls for a referendum on independence.
Oscar Temaru, a key figure in the push for independence, founded the Front de libération de la Polynésie in 1977, which later evolved into the Tavini Huiraatira party. With the absolute majority, the party now stands at its best chance yet to push for independence, a move that would require approval from Paris.
While French Polynesia already enjoys a degree of autonomy, handling policies such as healthcare, primary and secondary education, and environmental matters, certain key areas like higher education and defence policy remain under the control of Paris.
The current victory may set the stage for a renewed dialogue on the future relationship between the overseas territory and France.
Despite being over 10,000 miles away from the French capital, Bora Bora and the rest of French Polynesia maintain a unique relationship with France.
The territory, known for its distinct cultural identity and natural wonders, shares similarities with British and Dutch overseas territories rather than other French possessions like Réunion and Guadeloupe.
While Paris congratulated the Tavini Huiraatira party on their victory, French Interior and Overseas Minister Gérald Darmanin took to Twitter to express his commitment to “continue to improve the daily life of our Polynesian fellow-citizens.” The upcoming election for the president of the territory, scheduled later this month, could play a crucial role in determining the direction of French Polynesia’s future, including the possibility of pursuing independence.
